| Abstract Detail
Ecological Section Hewins, Daniel B. [1], Cheong, Danielle [2], Gayomba, Sheena [2], Hyatt, Laura [3]. Jack of all trades: Biological invasion facilitated by use of multiple forms of Nitrogen. Alliaria petiolata, or Garlic Mustard, has been successful in invading deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic United States since its colonial era introduction from Europe. Usable inorganic nitrogen is known to be one of the most limiting nutrients in northern hemisphere soils. Field studies have revealed that A. petiolata occupies habitats ranging widely in N resource quality and quantity. We tested the hypothesis that A. petiolata's invasiveness can be partially attributed to its ability to activate multiple pathways to take up N as either nitrate (NO3-) or ammonium (NH4+). Garlic mustard’s use of inorganic nitrogen was studied by growing young field-collected plants in sand culture in a greenhouse. Fertilizer solutions varied in total nitrogen concentration (250mM, 1000mM, 2000mM) and ratio of NO3- to NH4+ (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, 100:0). The pH was standardized across all solutions at 5.8. Plant physiological measures, including chlorophyll content and leaf C:N ratio show that while total N concentration influences plant vigor, the ratio of NO3- to NH4+ has no statistically significant effects on A. petiolata growth. Garlic mustard’s ambidextrous use of available N resources is likely to be an important element this invasive species' success.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Rider University, Department of Biology, 2083 Lawrenceville Rd., Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA
2 - Rider University, Department of Biology, 2083 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA
3 - Rider University, Department of Biology, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, 08648, USA
Keywords:
nitrogen and carbon metabolism
Invasive Species
garlic mustard
alliaria petiolata.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P49016
Abstract ID:1357 |
