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• 1. [Article] Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods, OR During 2012

  Three lakes located within the Klamath River Basin in Oregon (Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods) were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. Specimens were ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods, OR During 2012 Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2013 Three lakes located within the Klamath River Basin in Oregon (Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods) were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. Specimens were collected using plant rakes, benthic dredges, plankton nets, and crayfish traps. No invasive aquatic plants, gastropods, snails, bivalves or crayfish were detected in the lakes. Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods, OR During 2012 Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2013 Three lakes located within the Klamath River Basin in Oregon (Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods) were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. Specimens were collected using plant rakes, benthic dredges, plankton nets, and crayfish traps. No invasive aquatic plants, gastropods, snails, bivalves or crayfish were detected in the lakes. Close

• 2. [Article] Survey of Aquatic Invasive Species in Selected Umpqua National Forest Lakes and Ponds

  Eleven lakes and ponds within the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for invasive aquatic macrophytes, snails, bivalves, and crayfish during the summer of 2011. Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Survey of Aquatic Invasive Species in Selected Umpqua National Forest Lakes and Ponds Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich Year: 2012 Eleven lakes and ponds within the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for invasive aquatic macrophytes, snails, bivalves, and crayfish during the summer of 2011. Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), an invasive floating leaf macrophyte species, was detected in Willow Sump within the Little River drainage. European ear snails (Radix auricularia), an invasive species present in several Umpqua National Forest waterbodies, were detected in Beaver Pond within the Steamboat Creek drainage. One native crayfish species, the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), was observed in Crayfish Lake within the Brice Creek drainage. Diverse assemblages of native plant species were observed in the lakes and ponds. The UNF and the Oregon Department of Agriculture are exploring ways to eradicate the yellow floating heart infestation in Willow Sump. Title: Survey of Aquatic Invasive Species in Selected Umpqua National Forest Lakes and Ponds Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich Year: 2012 Eleven lakes and ponds within the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for invasive aquatic macrophytes, snails, bivalves, and crayfish during the summer of 2011. Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), an invasive floating leaf macrophyte species, was detected in Willow Sump within the Little River drainage. European ear snails (Radix auricularia), an invasive species present in several Umpqua National Forest waterbodies, were detected in Beaver Pond within the Steamboat Creek drainage. One native crayfish species, the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), was observed in Crayfish Lake within the Brice Creek drainage. Diverse assemblages of native plant species were observed in the lakes and ponds. The UNF and the Oregon Department of Agriculture are exploring ways to eradicate the yellow floating heart infestation in Willow Sump. Close

• 3. [Article] Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Pacificorp’s North Umpqua River Impoundments

  Ten North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project impoundments were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. One non-native submersed aquatic vegetation species (Potamogeton crispus) and one ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Pacificorp’s North Umpqua River Impoundments Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D., Morgan, Vanessa Howard Year: 2013 Ten North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project impoundments were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. One non-native submersed aquatic vegetation species (Potamogeton crispus) and one non-native snail species (Radix auricularia) was detected. No crayfish or mussel veligers were collected and no non-native zooplankton species were encountered. Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Pacificorp’s North Umpqua River Impoundments Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D., Morgan, Vanessa Howard Year: 2013 Ten North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project impoundments were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. One non-native submersed aquatic vegetation species (Potamogeton crispus) and one non-native snail species (Radix auricularia) was detected. No crayfish or mussel veligers were collected and no non-native zooplankton species were encountered. Close

• 4. [Article] Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Eastern Oregon Waterbodies in 2013 and 2014

  Early detection aquatic invasive species (AIS) surveys were conducted at 33 Eastern Oregon waterbodies during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Submerged aquatic plants, gastropods, bivalves, and crayfish ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Eastern Oregon Waterbodies in 2013 and 2014 Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2014 Early detection aquatic invasive species (AIS) surveys were conducted at 33 Eastern Oregon waterbodies during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Submerged aquatic plants, gastropods, bivalves, and crayfish were collected using a thatch rake, benthic dredge, plankton net, and modified minnow traps. Shoreline aquatic noxious weeds were noted when present and water quality characteristics were measured. Two AIS snail species, one AIS crayfish species, and five AIS plant species were detected during the surveys. Big-ear radix snails (Radix auricularia) were newly detected at 14 waterbodies distributed across the survey area. Chinese mystery snails (Cipangopaludina chinensis) were detected in one waterbody. Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) were newly found at high densities at one lake. AIS plant species included Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), a hybrid of Eurasian with the native northern watermilfoil (M. spicatum x sibiricum), curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), fragrant waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). Fifty-six native aquatic plant species were identified in the waterbodies. Water quality conditions ranged from clear, low ionic strength water to highly turbid, productive, high ionic strength water. Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Eastern Oregon Waterbodies in 2013 and 2014 Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2014 Early detection aquatic invasive species (AIS) surveys were conducted at 33 Eastern Oregon waterbodies during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Submerged aquatic plants, gastropods, bivalves, and crayfish were collected using a thatch rake, benthic dredge, plankton net, and modified minnow traps. Shoreline aquatic noxious weeds were noted when present and water quality characteristics were measured. Two AIS snail species, one AIS crayfish species, and five AIS plant species were detected during the surveys. Big-ear radix snails (Radix auricularia) were newly detected at 14 waterbodies distributed across the survey area. Chinese mystery snails (Cipangopaludina chinensis) were detected in one waterbody. Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) were newly found at high densities at one lake. AIS plant species included Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), a hybrid of Eurasian with the native northern watermilfoil (M. spicatum x sibiricum), curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), fragrant waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). Fifty-six native aquatic plant species were identified in the waterbodies. Water quality conditions ranged from clear, low ionic strength water to highly turbid, productive, high ionic strength water. Close

• 5. [Article] OSMB Final Report, Task 7: Online Atlas of Oregon Lakes - Aquatic Invasive Species Interface

  In order to educate a broad cross section of the public about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) distributions and survey efforts in Oregon’s lakes and reservoirs, database connections were created to display ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: OSMB Final Report, Task 7: Online Atlas of Oregon Lakes - Aquatic Invasive Species Interface Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2014 In order to educate a broad cross section of the public about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) distributions and survey efforts in Oregon’s lakes and reservoirs, database connections were created to display AIS information on the Online Atlas of Oregon Lakes (aol.research.pdx.edu/). The connections allowed for the dynamic display of AIS survey records stored in three separate databases: the Center for Lakes and Reservoir’s Oregon Aquatic Plant and Mussel Databases and the iMapInvasives database. AIS survey records collected by the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs were also reported to the iMapInvasives database. Title: OSMB Final Report, Task 7: Online Atlas of Oregon Lakes - Aquatic Invasive Species Interface Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2014 In order to educate a broad cross section of the public about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) distributions and survey efforts in Oregon’s lakes and reservoirs, database connections were created to display AIS information on the Online Atlas of Oregon Lakes (aol.research.pdx.edu/). The connections allowed for the dynamic display of AIS survey records stored in three separate databases: the Center for Lakes and Reservoir’s Oregon Aquatic Plant and Mussel Databases and the iMapInvasives database. AIS survey records collected by the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs were also reported to the iMapInvasives database. Close

• 6. [Article] Survey of Aquatic Plants in Corps of Engineers Reservoirs

  A survey of aquatic plants in a selected Corps of Engineers reservoirs in Oregon was conducted. Cottage Grove, Dorena, Fern Ridge, Dexter and Willow Creek Reservoirs contained abundant aquatic plants. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Survey of Aquatic Plants in Corps of Engineers Reservoirs Author: Walker, Kimberly D., Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2000 A survey of aquatic plants in a selected Corps of Engineers reservoirs in Oregon was conducted. Cottage Grove, Dorena, Fern Ridge, Dexter and Willow Creek Reservoirs contained abundant aquatic plants. Potamogeton pectinatus and Potamogeton epihydrous were the most common native plant species. Myriophyllum aquaticum and Potamogeton crispus were the most widespread nonnative plants. Species richness in the reservoirs was correlated with trophic status and basin morphology. Shallow reservoirs that included extensive areas of nutrient-rich sediments that were historic flood plain soils supported the greatest biomass and number of species. Mesotrophic reservoirs had lower species diversity. Oligotrophic reservoirs with steep basin morphology, nutrient-poor sediments, and large water level fluctuation did not support aquatic vascular plant populations. An aquatic plant management program should be developed for the reservoirs. The program should focus on preventing introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants and on rapid response procedures for new infestations. Those reservoirs that currently support aquatic macrophyte communities may be most susceptible to invasion and rapid spread of new introductions, however, even reservoirs that are currently free of aquatic plants may be invaded. Early detection is critical to effective implementation of rapid response procedures for invasive aquatic plant control. Annual survey of the most productive reservoirs is recommended to document introduction of new species. Plant community composition changes during the growing season, and multiple surveys during the growing season are preferred over one-time visits. Management of established populations of invasive species in the reservoirs will be difficult. Where invasive plant abundance is limited in area and number management activities may be implemented to slow dispersal and perhaps eradicate the plants. Integrated pest management procedures should be followed to ensure effective and economical aquatic plant control. Title: Survey of Aquatic Plants in Corps of Engineers Reservoirs Author: Walker, Kimberly D., Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2000 A survey of aquatic plants in a selected Corps of Engineers reservoirs in Oregon was conducted. Cottage Grove, Dorena, Fern Ridge, Dexter and Willow Creek Reservoirs contained abundant aquatic plants. Potamogeton pectinatus and Potamogeton epihydrous were the most common native plant species. Myriophyllum aquaticum and Potamogeton crispus were the most widespread nonnative plants. Species richness in the reservoirs was correlated with trophic status and basin morphology. Shallow reservoirs that included extensive areas of nutrient-rich sediments that were historic flood plain soils supported the greatest biomass and number of species. Mesotrophic reservoirs had lower species diversity. Oligotrophic reservoirs with steep basin morphology, nutrient-poor sediments, and large water level fluctuation did not support aquatic vascular plant populations. An aquatic plant management program should be developed for the reservoirs. The program should focus on preventing introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants and on rapid response procedures for new infestations. Those reservoirs that currently support aquatic macrophyte communities may be most susceptible to invasion and rapid spread of new introductions, however, even reservoirs that are currently free of aquatic plants may be invaded. Early detection is critical to effective implementation of rapid response procedures for invasive aquatic plant control. Annual survey of the most productive reservoirs is recommended to document introduction of new species. Plant community composition changes during the growing season, and multiple surveys during the growing season are preferred over one-time visits. Management of established populations of invasive species in the reservoirs will be difficult. Where invasive plant abundance is limited in area and number management activities may be implemented to slow dispersal and perhaps eradicate the plants. Integrated pest management procedures should be followed to ensure effective and economical aquatic plant control. Close

• 7. [Article] Evaluating Simplistic Methods to Understand Current Distributions and Forecast Distribution Changes Under Climate Change Scenarios: An Example With Coypu (Myocastor coypus)

  Invasive species provide a unique opportunity to evaluate factors controlling biogeographic distributions; we can consider introduction success as an experiment testing suitability of environmental conditions. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluating Simplistic Methods to Understand Current Distributions and Forecast Distribution Changes Under Climate Change Scenarios: An Example With Coypu (Myocastor coypus) Author: Jarnevich, Catherine S., Young, Nicholas E., Sheffels, Trevor R., Carter, Jacoby, Sytsma, Mark D., Talbert, Colin Year: 2017 Invasive species provide a unique opportunity to evaluate factors controlling biogeographic distributions; we can consider introduction success as an experiment testing suitability of environmental conditions. Predicting potential distributions of spreading species is not easy, and forecasting potential distributions with changing climate is even more difficult. Using the globally invasive coypu (Myocastor coypus [Molina, 1782]), we evaluate and compare the utility of a simplistic ecophysiological based model and a correlative model to predict current and future distribution. The ecophysiological model was based on winter temperature relationships with nutria survival. We developed correlative statistical models using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling and biologically relevant climate data with a global extent. We applied the ecophysiological based model to several global circulation model (GCM) predictions for mid-century. We used global coypu introduction data to evaluate these models and to explore a hypothesized physiological limitation, finding general agreement with known coypu distribution locally and globally and support for an upper thermal tolerance threshold. Global circulation model based model results showed variability in coypu predicted distribution among GCMs, but had general agreement of increasing suitable area in the USA. Our methods highlighted the dynamic nature of the edges of the coypu distribution due to climate non-equilibrium, and uncertainty associated with forecasting future distributions. Areas deemed suitable habitat, especially those on the edge of the current known range, could be used for early detection of the spread of coypu populations for management purposes. Combining approaches can be beneficial to predicting potential distributions of invasive species now and in the future and in exploring hypotheses of factors controlling distributions. Title: Evaluating Simplistic Methods to Understand Current Distributions and Forecast Distribution Changes Under Climate Change Scenarios: An Example With Coypu (Myocastor coypus) Author: Jarnevich, Catherine S., Young, Nicholas E., Sheffels, Trevor R., Carter, Jacoby, Sytsma, Mark D., Talbert, Colin Year: 2017 Invasive species provide a unique opportunity to evaluate factors controlling biogeographic distributions; we can consider introduction success as an experiment testing suitability of environmental conditions. Predicting potential distributions of spreading species is not easy, and forecasting potential distributions with changing climate is even more difficult. Using the globally invasive coypu (Myocastor coypus [Molina, 1782]), we evaluate and compare the utility of a simplistic ecophysiological based model and a correlative model to predict current and future distribution. The ecophysiological model was based on winter temperature relationships with nutria survival. We developed correlative statistical models using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling and biologically relevant climate data with a global extent. We applied the ecophysiological based model to several global circulation model (GCM) predictions for mid-century. We used global coypu introduction data to evaluate these models and to explore a hypothesized physiological limitation, finding general agreement with known coypu distribution locally and globally and support for an upper thermal tolerance threshold. Global circulation model based model results showed variability in coypu predicted distribution among GCMs, but had general agreement of increasing suitable area in the USA. Our methods highlighted the dynamic nature of the edges of the coypu distribution due to climate non-equilibrium, and uncertainty associated with forecasting future distributions. Areas deemed suitable habitat, especially those on the edge of the current known range, could be used for early detection of the spread of coypu populations for management purposes. Combining approaches can be beneficial to predicting potential distributions of invasive species now and in the future and in exploring hypotheses of factors controlling distributions. Close

• 8. [Article] Aquatic Plant Surveys in the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, 2010-2011

  The introduction of invasive aquatic plant species (IAPS) can cause significant ecological and economic harm. IAPS can displace native aquatic plant species, impair recreation, and degrade water quality. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Aquatic Plant Surveys in the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, 2010-2011 Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich, Morgan, Vanessa Year: 2011 The introduction of invasive aquatic plant species (IAPS) can cause significant ecological and economic harm. IAPS can displace native aquatic plant species, impair recreation, and degrade water quality. Early detection of new invasions can improve chances for successful eradication or containment to reduce the risk of IAPS spread. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) lists the most egregious offenders as “Noxious Weeds” which are defined as plants classified by the Oregon State Weed Board that are injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property (ODA 2011). Several IAPS classified as noxious have been detected within the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Southern Oregon including yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus). During the summers of 2010 and 2011, IAPS surveys were conducted at selected reservoirs, lakes, and river boat launches within the Medford District to determine the extent of IAPS infestations as well as the distributions of native aquatic plant species. This report summarizes results of the surveys and provides recommendations for management of IAPS within the Medford District. Observations of any invasive aquatic animal species such as New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) are also reported. Title: Aquatic Plant Surveys in the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, 2010-2011 Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich, Morgan, Vanessa Year: 2011 The introduction of invasive aquatic plant species (IAPS) can cause significant ecological and economic harm. IAPS can displace native aquatic plant species, impair recreation, and degrade water quality. Early detection of new invasions can improve chances for successful eradication or containment to reduce the risk of IAPS spread. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) lists the most egregious offenders as “Noxious Weeds” which are defined as plants classified by the Oregon State Weed Board that are injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property (ODA 2011). Several IAPS classified as noxious have been detected within the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Southern Oregon including yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus). During the summers of 2010 and 2011, IAPS surveys were conducted at selected reservoirs, lakes, and river boat launches within the Medford District to determine the extent of IAPS infestations as well as the distributions of native aquatic plant species. This report summarizes results of the surveys and provides recommendations for management of IAPS within the Medford District. Observations of any invasive aquatic animal species such as New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) are also reported. Close

• 9. [Article] 2014 Aquatic Weed Surveys in Timothy Lake, Lake Harriet, North Fork Reservoir, Faraday Lake, and Estacada Lake

  The Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project No. 2195 (Project) is located on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River and the mainstem of the Clackamas River in Clackamas County, Oregon. Reservoirs included ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2014 Aquatic Weed Surveys in Timothy Lake, Lake Harriet, North Fork Reservoir, Faraday Lake, and Estacada Lake Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D., Brittain, Jeffrey Thomas Year: 2014 The Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project No. 2195 (Project) is located on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River and the mainstem of the Clackamas River in Clackamas County, Oregon. Reservoirs included in the Project include Timothy Lake, Lake Harriet, North Fork Reservoir, Faraday Lake, and Estacada Lake. The operator of the Project, Portland General Electric (PGE), was issued a license on December 21, 2010 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for continued operations and maintenance. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the license noted that regular surveys for invasive aquatic weed species would be conducted as part of the Project’s Vegetation Management Plan. The term “aquatic weed” is used here to refer to any non-native aquatic plant species. Information from repeated aquatic surveys will help determine native species distributions and the need for treatment of problematic aquatic weed species, particularly hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), and Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). Surveys conducted for PGE by Portland State University (PSU) in Timothy Lake, Lake Harriet, and North Fork Reservoir in 2011 did not locate any problematic submerged or floating leaved aquatic weed species. Earlier surveys of Timothy Lake, and Timothy Lake and Lake Harriet, also indicated the reservoirs were free of aquatic weeds. Heaton et al. (1996) noted that the native species Bidens beckii was present and had the potential to become weedy, however, this species was not found during the 2004 or 2011 surveys. This report covers the results of follow up aquatic vegetation surveys conducted in Lake Harriet, Timothy Lake, and North Fork Reservoir between August 14 and August 21, 2014, as well as new surveys of Faraday Lake and Estacada Lake. Shoreline surveys for emergent invasive species such as yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) were included in surveys for the first time. Title: 2014 Aquatic Weed Surveys in Timothy Lake, Lake Harriet, North Fork Reservoir, Faraday Lake, and Estacada Lake Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D., Brittain, Jeffrey Thomas Year: 2014 The Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project No. 2195 (Project) is located on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River and the mainstem of the Clackamas River in Clackamas County, Oregon. Reservoirs included in the Project include Timothy Lake, Lake Harriet, North Fork Reservoir, Faraday Lake, and Estacada Lake. The operator of the Project, Portland General Electric (PGE), was issued a license on December 21, 2010 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for continued operations and maintenance. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the license noted that regular surveys for invasive aquatic weed species would be conducted as part of the Project’s Vegetation Management Plan. The term “aquatic weed” is used here to refer to any non-native aquatic plant species. Information from repeated aquatic surveys will help determine native species distributions and the need for treatment of problematic aquatic weed species, particularly hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), and Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). Surveys conducted for PGE by Portland State University (PSU) in Timothy Lake, Lake Harriet, and North Fork Reservoir in 2011 did not locate any problematic submerged or floating leaved aquatic weed species. Earlier surveys of Timothy Lake, and Timothy Lake and Lake Harriet, also indicated the reservoirs were free of aquatic weeds. Heaton et al. (1996) noted that the native species Bidens beckii was present and had the potential to become weedy, however, this species was not found during the 2004 or 2011 surveys. This report covers the results of follow up aquatic vegetation surveys conducted in Lake Harriet, Timothy Lake, and North Fork Reservoir between August 14 and August 21, 2014, as well as new surveys of Faraday Lake and Estacada Lake. Shoreline surveys for emergent invasive species such as yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) were included in surveys for the first time. Close

• 10. [Article] Variation in Tussock Architecture of the Invasive Cordgrass Spartina Densiflora along the Pacific Coast of North America

  Some introduced species spread rapidly beyond their native range and into novel habitats mediated by a high degree of phenotypic plasticity and/or rapid evolutionary responses. In this context, clonality ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Variation in Tussock Architecture of the Invasive Cordgrass Spartina Densiflora along the Pacific Coast of North America Author: Castillo, Jesus M., Grewall, Brenda J., Pickart, Andrea, Figueroa, Enrique, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2016 Some introduced species spread rapidly beyond their native range and into novel habitats mediated by a high degree of phenotypic plasticity and/or rapid evolutionary responses. In this context, clonality has been described as a significant factor contributing to invasiveness. We studied the abiotic environment and the responses of different tussock architecture traits of the invasive cordgrass Spartina densiflora Brongn. (Poaceae). A common garden experiment and field studies of S. densiflora in salt marshes across a wide latitudinal gradient from California (USA) to British Columbia (Canada) provided a model system for an integrated study of the potential mechanisms underlying the response of invasive S. densiflora populations to changes in environmental conditions. Our results showed that S. densiflora is able to adjust to widely variable climate (specifically, air temperature and the duration of the growing season) and sediment conditions (specifically, texture and hypoxia) through phenotypical plastic key functional tussock traits (e.g. shoot density, height, above- and below-ground biomass allocation patterns). Root biomass increased in coarser sediments in contrast to rhizomes, which were more abundant in finer sediments. Above-ground biomass and leaf area index increased mainly with air temperature during summer, and more robust (taller and wider) shoots were associated with more oxygenated sediments. In view of our results, S. densifloraappears to be a halophyte with a high degree of phenotypic plasticity that would enable it to respond successfully to changes in the abiotic conditions of salt marshes driven by global climate change, such as increasing salinity and temperatures. Title: Variation in Tussock Architecture of the Invasive Cordgrass Spartina Densiflora along the Pacific Coast of North America Author: Castillo, Jesus M., Grewall, Brenda J., Pickart, Andrea, Figueroa, Enrique, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2016 Some introduced species spread rapidly beyond their native range and into novel habitats mediated by a high degree of phenotypic plasticity and/or rapid evolutionary responses. In this context, clonality has been described as a significant factor contributing to invasiveness. We studied the abiotic environment and the responses of different tussock architecture traits of the invasive cordgrass Spartina densiflora Brongn. (Poaceae). A common garden experiment and field studies of S. densiflora in salt marshes across a wide latitudinal gradient from California (USA) to British Columbia (Canada) provided a model system for an integrated study of the potential mechanisms underlying the response of invasive S. densiflora populations to changes in environmental conditions. Our results showed that S. densiflora is able to adjust to widely variable climate (specifically, air temperature and the duration of the growing season) and sediment conditions (specifically, texture and hypoxia) through phenotypical plastic key functional tussock traits (e.g. shoot density, height, above- and below-ground biomass allocation patterns). Root biomass increased in coarser sediments in contrast to rhizomes, which were more abundant in finer sediments. Above-ground biomass and leaf area index increased mainly with air temperature during summer, and more robust (taller and wider) shoots were associated with more oxygenated sediments. In view of our results, S. densifloraappears to be a halophyte with a high degree of phenotypic plasticity that would enable it to respond successfully to changes in the abiotic conditions of salt marshes driven by global climate change, such as increasing salinity and temperatures. Close