Stable isotope mixing models demonstrate the role of an invasive plant in wetland songbird food webs

Applications in Plant Sciences, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 10(4)

Опубликована: Июль 1, 2022

Abstract Premise Invasive plants in wetlands are often ecosystem engineers, mediating changes functions like trophic support. We documented the impacts of Lepidium latifolium , an invasive plant, on food web omnivorous birds (Suisun song sparrows, Melospiza melodia maxillaris ) a tidal wetland northern California, USA. Methods used analysis natural abundance stable isotopes 13 C and 15 N sparrow blood, invertebrate sources, L. seeds, other marsh plant seeds to inform Bayesian, concentration‐dependent mixing models that predicted average diets. Results Season phenology influenced source incorporation isotopic signatures. Song sparrows showed higher variability summer. The observed diets were driven by altered communities related seasonal presence shifts from consumption sources during breeding season spring Discussion This study isotope tools modeling demonstrate two mechanisms influence sparrows. can site‐ species‐specific management strategies demonstrating how community impact entire systems.

Язык: Английский

Advances, applications, and prospects in aquatic botany

Applications in Plant Sciences, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 10(4)

Опубликована: Июль 1, 2022

Aquatic ecosystems, both freshwater and marine, compose a rich diversity of habitats that are increasingly recognized as vital to sustaining ecological stability supporting human economic activity (Hofstra et al., 2020). Within these critical macrophytes, native invasive, represent less than 1% the total vascular plant diversity, but they play roles in aquatic ecosystem structure (i.e., habitat heterogeneity biodiversity) function nutrient water cycling) (Havel 2015; Geist Hawkins, 2016; Hofstra Despite their importance, plants among most threatened groups species worldwide due land-use change, modified regimes, effects climate warming (Chambers 2008; Hilt 2017). These threats can have profound on productivity, function, and, turn, how we manage, protect, conserve systems. In recent decades, technological advances analytical survey methodologies more readily been applied research provide an important means enhance understanding distribution survivorship well biotic interactions with invasive abiotic environment (O'Hare 2018). For example, cost reductions minimization repeat sampling sensitive and/or allowed for broader use stable isotope analysis systems (e.g., Glibert 2019), while continued developments modeling computational biology improved our complex Wood 2014; Boothroyd Verschoren 2016). this special issue Applications Plant Sciences, "Advances, applications, prospects botany," present four papers explore current methods challenges two key areas research: (i) biodiversity conservation (ii) management. Our first paper (Tyrrell 2022) presents novel trait-based approach monitoring macrophyte Historically, compositional- diversity-based surveys were challenging lack taxonomic resolution overall effort. Methodological improvements increased ability identify, map, relate metrics quality indices (Visser Spears However, often local or regional focus strong influence physico-chemical generalizable when using simplistic taxonomic-based approaches (McGill 2006; O'Hare Here, Tyrrell al. (2022) possibility adapting macrophyte-based growth-form trophic affinity derived from affinity) one geographic region (Europe) evaluate conditions another (Canada). They demonstrate adopting growth form instead identity provides relationship actual conditions. suggest mechanistic index alternative bioassessment application tool offers inter-regional inter-continental comparisons. second section (Lane, looks closely at community composition estuaries, particular tidal marshes (TFMs) upper reaches estuary. carbon storage, cycling, migratory salmon seabirds. loss TFMs developments, there is need better understand (Mueller Chalifour 2019). Specifically, studies recruitment seed significant knowledge gap. Lane highlights importance germination ecology reports marsh organs be used study processes The author artificial natural chilling presence absence near-neighbor transplants five TFM based prevalence commercial availability. illustrates easy cost-effective field-based different locations environmental conditions, insight into identifying species-specific niches restoration applications. Generally, pace biological invasions exceeds previous events occurred over geological time scales (Ricciardi, 2007). Invasive ecosystems variety impacts function. Although some little no effect Havel 2005), many negative other generally Bunn 1998). As result, pose habitats. (Van De Verg Smith, outlines novel, methodology common biodegradable chemical mitigating macroalga. Van Smith administer differing concentrations hydrogen peroxide individual basal attachments seaweed Avrainvillea lacerata within impacted reef flat. found reduction relative electron transport rate maxima (a measure photosynthesis) following injection peroxide, authors discuss possible utility method larger scales. Along impact abundance, also known restructure food webs, particularly (see 2015 references therein). about web higher level changes. remaining contribution issue, by Wigginton (2022), isotopes Bayesian mixed examine role resource song sparrows. sparrows showed reliance seeds Lepidium latifolium seasonal differences use. advanced tools modeling) has implications control management, attempts could unintended consequences rely them support. Overall, work cutting edge botanical research. never greater, range new techniques becoming available. Historic "wait-and-see" biodiversity, control, not viable option. More rapid, cost-effective, robust approaches—as highlighted issue—are preservation services provide. We hope you find articles informative inspirational dynamic ever-changing field botany. G.J.P. prepared draft manuscript. J.A.C. edited subsequent drafts. Both approved final version thank Dr. Theresa Culley (previous editor-in-chief Sciences), Briana L. Gross (current Beth Parada (managing editor Sciences) editorial assistance expertise. would like all who contributed issue.

Язык: Английский

Contributions of Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) Invasion to Rarity of the Endangered Suisun Thistle (Cirsium hydrophilum var. hydrophilum)

Estuaries and Coasts, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 47(3), С. 622 - 636

Опубликована: Янв. 30, 2024

Abstract Invasive species exert disproportionate impacts in wetlands and pose particular challenges for rare persisting at small spatial scales. In the urbanized San Francisco Estuary (SFE), which contains 90% of California’s remaining coastal wetlands, invasive often co-occur. One narrow endemic taxon, federally listed Suisun thistle ( Cirsium hydrophilum var. ) is restricted to two or three locations where perennial pepperweed Lepidium latifolium has an increasing presence. Perennial invaded salt, brackish, freshwater around SFE, leading high management concern. this study, we investigated how may contribute further rarity thistle, by conducting a removal experiment surveying soil-plant relationships. Removing led doubling native relative cover increase richness average one per plot, positive effects on cover, number, reproductive output, shifts soil properties. Combined with survey data inside outside stands, conclude that competes via competition space, nutrients, light, interferes thistle’s success, alters brackish marsh physicochemical characteristics favor pepperweed. We recommend local control prevent loss thistle. Further, wide range mechanisms invasion proceed if unchecked should be considered other settings uncommon are risk from invaders.

Язык: Английский