Biodiv Sci ›› 2008, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (4): 346-352.  DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2008.08035

• Original Papers • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Survival traits of Crofton weed (Eupatorium adenophorum) seedlings in different habitats

Wang Jinfang1,2, Gao Xianming1,*(), Dang Weiguang1,2   

  1. 1 State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093
    2 Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049
  • Received:2008-02-18 Accepted:2008-05-27 Online:2008-07-20 Published:2008-07-20
  • Contact: Gao Xianming

Abstract:

Crofton weed (Eupatorium adenophorum) is a highly invasive species. To provide information for controlling or preventing its spread and invasion, we examined recruitment, survival and flowering characteristics of Crofton weed seedlings through container and field experiments in different habitats between Aug. 2005 and Aug. 2006. The results showed that the probability of a seed developing into a mature plant was only 1.16×10-13 to 2.43×10-11. The highest emergence rate (13.93%) and seedling survival rate (79.50%) in the first 10 weeks after seed planting occurred in shady and wet habitats, indicating that these two habitats are favorable for seedling emergence and survival. In addition, seedlings grew better in sunny habitat than in shady habitat when soil water was sufficient. One year after emergence, 3.92% to 5.05% of seedlings flowered. Density of seeds produced by these flowering individuals ranged from 23,000-52,000 ind/m2. Although survival rate of individual Crofton weed was low, enormous seed production ensured the successful colonization and development of sustainable populations, especially in humid and shady habitat.

Key words: Eupatorium adenophorum, water, sunshine, exotic species invasion