File(s) under permanent embargo
Soil biota drive expression of genetic variation and development of population-specific feedbacks in an invasive plant
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 08:34 authored by Felker-Quinn, E, Bailey, J, Schweitzer, JInvasive plant species alter soils in ways that may affect the success of subsequent generations, creating plant–soil feedbacks. Ailanthus altissima is an invasive tree introduced two centuries ago to North America. We hypothesized that geographically distinct populations of A. altissima have established feedbacks specific to their local environment, due to soil communities cultivated by A. altissima. We collected seeds and soils from three populations in the eastern United States, and in the greenhouse reciprocally planted all families in all collected soils as well as in a control mixed soil, and in soils that had been irradiated for sterilization. There were positive plant–soil feedbacks for two populations in the live field-collected soils, but strong negative feedbacks for the third population. There were no population-level performance differences or feedbacks in the sterilized population locale soils, supporting a soil biotic basis for feedbacks and for the expression of genetic differentiation in A. altissima. If populations of Ailanthus altissima vary in the extent to which they benefit from and promote these plant–soil biota feedbacks, the interaction between invader and invaded community may be more important in determining the course of invasion than are the characteristics of either alone.
History
Publication title
EcologyVolume
92Issue
6Pagination
1208-1214ISSN
0012-9658Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Ecological Society of AmericaPlace of publication
1707 H St NW, Ste 400, Washington, USA, Dc, 20006-Rights statement
Copyright 2011 The Ecological Society of AmericaRepository Status
- Restricted