Interference competition between Ludwigia repens and Hygrophila polysperma: two morphologically similar aquatic plant species
Doyle, R.D.; Francis, M.D.; Smart, R.M. (2003). Interference competition between Ludwigia repens and Hygrophila polysperma: two morphologically similar aquatic plant species. Aquat. Bot. 77(3): 223-234. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0304-3770(03)00104-9
In: Aquatic Botany. Elsevier Science: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; London; Amsterdam. ISSN 0304-3770; e-ISSN 1879-1522, more
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| Keywords |
Anatomical structures > Body organs > Plant organs > Stems
Flora > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic plants
Growth rate
Interspecific relationships > Competition
Research > Experimental research
Taxa > Species > Introduced species
Water bodies > Inland waters > Rivers
Hygrophila polysperma; Ludwigia repens
USA, Texas, Comal R.; USA, Texas, San Marcos R.
Fresh water |
| Author keywords |
exotic macrophyte; competitive interference; invasive species; river |
| Authors | | Top |
- Doyle, R.D.
- Francis, M.D.
- Smart, R.M.
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| Abstract |
The interference competition between Ludwigia repens and Hygrophila polysperma was investigated in a 12-week tank experiment. In monoculture, sprigs (stem fragments) of both species showed similar growth rate and growth form. However, the two species differed strongly in response to interference competition from the other species. In response to increasing interference, sprigs of H. polysperma produced plants that had fewer but longer and more highly branched stems. However, the relative growth rate (RGR) was not significantly affected by the interference and total biomass accumulation was the same regardless of interference level. In contrast, developing sprigs of L. repens were negatively affected by interference. L. repens sprigs facing interference competition grew more slowly and produced fewer and shorter stems and fewer branches per stem than those growing in monoculture. At the highest level of interference, L. repens sprigs produced only 5% of the total mass produced when grown alone. Furthermore, the continued growth of established L. repens plants was significantly affected by interference from H. polysperma sprigs. At the end of the experimental growth period, the biomass of established L. repens invaded by H. polysperma sprigs was only 57% of that of established L. repens continuing to grow alone. Results of these experiments suggest that both species should effectively colonize unvegetated habitats. However, in an equal mixture of sprigs of the two species colonizing new habitats, H. polysperma will have advantage. Furthermore, established L. repens will be susceptible to invasion by H. polysperma while established H. polysperma is unlikely to be invaded by L. repens. The continued expansion of the exotic H. polysperma in North America is predicted. |
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