Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1111/ele.13220
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Title (Primary) Traits linked with species invasiveness and community invasibility vary with time, stage and indicator of invasion in a long-term grassland experiment
Author Catford, J.A.; Smith, A.L.; Wragg, P.D.; Clark, A.T.; Kosmala, M.; Cavender-Bares, J.; Reich, P.B.; Tilman, D.
Source Titel Ecology Letters
Year 2019
Department iDiv; PHYDIV
Volume 22
Issue 4
Page From 593
Page To 604
Language englisch
Keywords Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve; ecosystem invasibility; functional traits; indicators of invasion; invasion stages; long‐term grassland experiment; seed addition experiment; species invasiveness
Abstract Much uncertainty remains about traits linked with successful invasion – the establishment and spread of non‐resident species into existing communities. Using a 20‐year experiment, where 50 non‐resident (but mostly native) grassland plant species were sown into savannah plots, we ask how traits linked with invasion depend on invasion stage (establishment, spread), indicator of invasion success (occupancy, relative abundance), time, environmental conditions, propagule rain, and traits of invaders and invaded communities. Trait data for 164 taxa showed that invader occupancy was primarily associated with traits of invaders, traits of recipient communities, and invader‐community interactions. Invader abundance was more strongly associated with community traits (e.g. proportion legume) and trait differences between invaders and the most similar resident species. Annuals and invaders with high‐specific leaf area were only successful early in stand development, whereas invaders with conservative carbon capture strategies persisted long‐term. Our results indicate that invasion is context‐dependent and long‐term experiments are required to comprehensively understand invasions.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=21630
Catford, J.A., Smith, A.L., Wragg, P.D., Clark, A.T., Kosmala, M., Cavender-Bares, J., Reich, P.B., Tilman, D. (2019):
Traits linked with species invasiveness and community invasibility vary with time, stage and indicator of invasion in a long-term grassland experiment
Ecol. Lett. 22 (4), 593 - 604 10.1111/ele.13220