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Dispersal Mechanisms of the Invasive Alien Plant Species Buffalobur (Solanum rostratum) in Cold Desert Sites of Northwest China

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Amanulla Eminniyaz
Affiliation:
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources and Ecology & Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Western Arid Region Grassland Resources and Ecology, College of Grassland and Environment Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi 830052, China
Juan Qiu
Affiliation:
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources and Ecology & Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Western Arid Region Grassland Resources and Ecology, College of Grassland and Environment Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi 830052, China
Dunyan Tan
Affiliation:
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources and Ecology & Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Western Arid Region Grassland Resources and Ecology, College of Grassland and Environment Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi 830052, China
Carol C. Baskin*
Affiliation:
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources and Ecology & Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Western Arid Region Grassland Resources and Ecology, College of Grassland and Environment Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi 830052, China Department of Biology and Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
Jerry M. Baskin
Affiliation:
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources and Ecology & Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Western Arid Region Grassland Resources and Ecology, College of Grassland and Environment Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi 830052, China Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
Robert S. Nowak
Affiliation:
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Abstract

Dispersal mechanisms of the alien plant species buffalobur during its invasion of cold desert areas in Xinjiang, northwestern China, were investigated. Seeds and fruits were readily moved by water in irrigation canals in the transition zone between natural desert and a farmed oasis. Maximum flotation time in moving canal water was ∼ 4 h for seeds and > 48 h for fruits, and water moved fruits 279 m in 10 min. Also, 100% of the seeds remained viable during 8 wk of flooding in the laboratory. Mean dispersal distance was 3.4 m by wind-driven rolling of detached plants and 0.5 m by ants. Retention time for 50% of fruits on wool of live sheep was ∼ 4 h. Seeds and fruits that fall into the canals (which are without irrigation water from mid-October to April) are cold-stratified during winter, and then during canal cleaning in spring soil and germinable seeds are deposited along the sides of the canals. The disturbed soil is a highly favorable site for plants to grow. The local spread of buffalobur away from the sides of canals is facilitated by sheep, wind, and ants. We conclude that water in the irrigation canals is the primary dispersal agent for seeds of this invasive species and that the best way to control its spread is to prevent plants growing beside the canals from setting seed.

Type
Weed Biology and Ecology
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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References

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