Phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. across diverse rangelands in northeastern Ethiopia

Ecological Processes, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Jan. 10, 2025

Abstract Introduction Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. substantially threatens dry rangelands due to its invasive attributes, exacerbated by climate change, land-use practices, and anthropogenic activities. Despite the urgent need understand ecological impacts, comprehensive studies examining relationship between functional traits reproductive fitness across diverse habitats scenarios are lacking. This study investigated of in Afar region Ethiopia, focusing on three types: dry-season grazing lands, wet-season wildlife reserves. Methods Plant samples were collected from 192 plots assess their adaptive potential genetic variation, alongside relevant physiographic climatic data. approach aims elucidate contributions these factors observed variation plasticity rangeland types differing land use intensity. Generalized linear mixed models co-occurrence networks employed analyze complex interaction. Results Our findings revealed significant fruiting onset duration, with lands demonstrating a shorter duration compared Genetic was for total seed mass number, indicating robust adaptability. The relative growth rate higher reserves highlighting advantages nutrient-rich environments. Additionally, analysis identified soil type as critical factor influencing trait performance. Conclusions underscores targeted management strategies mitigate impacts , emphasizing role nutrients fitness. offer valuable insights into dynamics species ecosystems inform conservation efforts.

Language: Английский

The preemptive control strategy for invasive plant seed banks triggering ecological threats through synchronized germination

Journal of Environmental Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 380, P. 125187 - 125187

Published: April 1, 2025

Invasive alien plants threaten global ecosystems by disrupting biodiversity and degrading ecological functions. Soil seed banks-the reservoirs of viable seeds in the soil-play a crucial role persistence spread plant populations. However, current control measures for invasive predominantly target above-ground vegetation, neglecting these underground reserves, thereby allowing to re-establish their Inducing synchronous germination deplete banks offers potential preemptive strategy. This study hypothesizes that secrete secondary metabolites promote conspecific seeds. Focusing on Ambrosia trifida L., globally harmful annual plant, where soil bank plays its continued impact. We used metabolomics identify such found Angelicin significantly enhances rates up 116.9 % (P < 0.01). Field experiments conducted native habitat demonstrated applying at concentrations 0.015 μg ml-1 or higher depleted over 85 0.01) without harming indigenous communities. These findings confirm feasibility depleting through induced germination. Integrating this strategy with traditional methods can develop comprehensive management system, offering promising new approach widespread plants.

Language: Английский