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Title: Invasive grasses consistently create similar plant-soil feedback types in soils collected from geographically distant locations

Author
item PERKINS, LORA - South Dakota State University
item HATFIELD, GARY - South Dakota State University
item Espeland, Erin

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Ecology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/26/2015
Publication Date: 6/4/2015
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/62358
Citation: Perkins, L.B., Hatfield, G., Espeland, E.K. 2015. Invasive grasses consistently create similar plant-soil feedback types in soils collected from geographically distant locations. Journal Of Plant Ecology. 9(2):180-186. doi:10.1093/jpe/rtv040.

Interpretive Summary: Many plants create a plant-soil feedback (PSF) by altering their soil environment in a manner that impacts plant growth in the next generation. The Plant-Soil Feedback Hypothesis of Invasion proposes that plant species have greater invasive potential when they create ‘invasive’ PSFs that benefit subsequent growth of conspecifics (members of their own species) more than heterospecifics (plants of other species). We tested this hypothesis using four invasive plant species and three soils collected from areas within and outside their currently-invaded range. If PSF contributes to invasive potential, invasive species should create invasive PSFs and the PSF should be consistent among soils from the currently-invaded range. Invasive PSF in soil from outside the currently-invaded range would indicate the potential for further range expansion. Results suggest that PSF contributes to invasion for two of the four tested species. This result lends support to the Plant-Soil Feedback Hypothesis of Invasion that PSF creation is a trait that drives invasion for some invasive species.

Technical Abstract: Invasive PSF is limited by soil type. Most, but not all, plant species exhibit negative plant soil feedback (PSF), wherein plants perform poorly in soils formerly occupied (conditioned) by conspecifics. This dynamic has led to the Plant-Soil Feedback Hypothesis of Invasion which posits that plant species have greater invasive potential when they create PSFs that benefit conspecifics over heterospecifics (consequently creating ‘invasive’ PSFs). This hypothesis was tested using four invasive plant species and three soils collected from distinct areas within and outside each species currently-invaded range. If plant-soil feedback contributes to invasive potential, species should create invasive PSFs and the PSF should be consistent among soils from the currently-invaded range. We determine PSF by examining conspecific and heterospecific performance in soil conditioned by each invasive species. Results partially support the Plant-Soil Feedback Hypothesis of Invasion. Taeniatherum caput-medusae generated invasive PSFs in soils from all three origins, and Agropyron cristatum generated invasive PSFs in two of the three soil origins. Centaurea solstitialis did not create invasive PSFs in the soil from its invasive range, but did exhibit an invasive PSF from a soil just beyond its invasion edge. Poa pratensis did not demonstrate any PSF effect.