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Harvard Forest Symposium Abstract 2016
- Title: Understory Plant Community Structure in Forests Invaded by Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
- Primary Author: Jason Aylward (Harvard Forest)
- Additional Authors: Mark Anthony (University of New Hampshire - Main Campus); Serita Frey (University of New Hampshire - Main Campus); Dustin Haines (University of Massachusetts - Amherst ); Kristina Stinson (University of Massachusetts - Amherst )
- Abstract:
Plant invasions represent a significant threat to the structure and function of natural ecosystems. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), has been identified as a threat to native communities mostly through small scale studies and focused experiments. In this in situ observational study I examined the effects of garlic mustard invasion on species composition across multiple sites by comparing plant diversity and composition in invaded and adjacent non-invaded communities. Mean Shannon diversity was higher in invaded compared to non-invaded plots and invasion was associated with greater densities of invasive species such as burning bush (Euonymus alatus), and greater celadine (Chelidonium majus). In ordination space, the sites showed lots of overlap, but roughly grouped by geographic region, rather than by invasion status, suggesting that regional environmental variation is important for community structure. My findings indicate that garlic mustard invasion is associated with other invasive plants, and that the understory plant community varies considerably across the region regardless of invasion status. Overall we show that garlic mustard has impact on the communities, but is not consistent across the landscape.
- Research Category: Invasive Plants, Pests & Pathogens
