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Positive plant-soil feedbacks of the invasive Impatiens glandulifera and their effects on above-ground microbial communities

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Zarah PattisonORCiD

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Abstract

© 2016 European Weed Research Society. Impatiens glandulifera is one of the most widespread invasive plant species in the UK. Although aspects of its biology are known, there is little information about its association with microbial communities, both above ground and below ground. Furthermore, it is unknown whether this species exhibits any form of plant-soil feedback (PSF), commonly seen in other invasive weeds. We conducted a PSF experiment, in which plants of I. glandulifera were grown in soil that supported the species and compared with plants grown in a control soil from the same locality. Soil nutrients were measured, and the soil and foliar microbial communities were assessed. Impatiens glandulifera grew larger and faster in conditioned soil compared with the control. Higher levels of phosphate were also found in conditioned soils. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonisation was lower in conditioned soils, suggesting that I. glandulifera may rapidly alter AMF communities in invaded areas. PSFs had a significant effect on the foliar endophyte community, with clear separation of species between conditioned and control soils. These results show that I. glandulifera displayed a positive PSF and the PSF mechanism extended beyond the soil microbial community to affect foliar endophytes. The observed increase in endophytes in plants grown in conditioned soil could enhance resistance to herbivory, thus further accentuating the invasive properties of this species. Weed Research

Publication metadata

Author(s): Pattison Z, Rumble H, Tanner RA, Jin L, Gange AC

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Weed Research

Year: 2016

Volume: 56

Issue: 3

Pages: 198-207

Print publication date: 01/06/2016

Online publication date: 24/02/2016

Acceptance date: 14/12/2015

ISSN (print): 0043-1737

ISSN (electronic): 1365-3180

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12200

DOI: 10.1111/wre.12200

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