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Quantifying the seed bank of an invasive grass in the sub-Antarctic: seed density, depth, persistence and viability

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Abstract

A native to Europe, Poa annua now has a cosmopolitan distribution and is invasive in the sub-Antarctic. As a major weed in temperate turf, there has been considerable investment in research of the species, but little is known about its ecology in the sub-Antarctic, particularly its reproductive ecology and population dynamics. We characterised the seed bank of this invasive species in the sub-Antarctic, by quantifying seed density, depth, persistence and viability. Poa annua seed bank density was correlated with elevation, animal disturbance, soil wetness and soil depth, but most strongly with P. annua cover. Seed bank density was greatest (132,000 seeds m−2) at low altitude coastal sites where P. annua is abundant but declined with increasing altitude to <2600 seeds m2. Seed was most abundant within the top 3 cm of the soil and decreased with soil depth. Seed viability declined over time, from an initial viability of 81 to <3 % after 2 years in the soil. This study demonstrates that whilst P. annua seed banks can be dense, the seed bank is shallow (<10 cm) with low persistence and viability. This first detailed study on the in situ seed bank profile of P. annua in the sub-Antarctic helps us understand the distribution and persistence of this invasive weed and is essential information for the development and implementation of future management. These findings, such as low seed bank persistence, challenge current thinking about eradication or control feasibility in the region.

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded by the Australian Antarctic Science Program, project AAS 4158 and an Australian Postgraduate Award through the University of New England. We thank the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service for granting us access to Macquarie Island, the Australian Antarctic Division for logistical support and Luis Rodriguez Pertierra for field support. We thank Dr. Dana Bergstrom and two anonymous reviewers for feedback on the manuscript.

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  1. School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia

    Laura K. Williams, Paul Kristiansen, Brian M. Sindel & Susan C. Wilson

  2. Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, TAS, Australia

    Laura K. Williams & Justine D. Shaw

  3. Centre Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia

    Justine D. Shaw

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Williams, L.K., Kristiansen, P., Sindel, B.M. et al. Quantifying the seed bank of an invasive grass in the sub-Antarctic: seed density, depth, persistence and viability. Biol Invasions 18, 2093–2106 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-016-1154-x

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