Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Airborne and belowground phytotoxicity of invasive Ageratina adenophora on native species in Nepal

  • Published:
Plant Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Volatile compounds from leaf litter of invasive alien Ageratina adenophora are known to inhibit growth of native species in sub-tropical Asia, but there is not much evidence if the litter affects tree species. In particular, the relative importance of airborne inhibition versus belowground effect of invaded soil on tree species is rarely explored. We used A. adenophora uninvaded and invaded soils to follow germination and seedling growth of a native Nepalese tree Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. in the presence and absence of leaf litter of A. adenophora. We also compared diversity of native species in the uninvaded and invaded sites in Nepal. We found that A. adenophora invasion is associated with lower native species richness and correlated with lower tree canopy cover. Invaded soil and the proximity of A. adenophora leaf litter decreased seed germination rate of S. wallichii. Both invaded soil and leaf litter of the weed inhibited S. wallichii shoot and root biomass accumulation independently of each other. As far as we know, this is the first study to report these two effects simultaneously. In conclusion, belowground effects of A. adenophora invaded soil and airborne effects of leaf litter have a potential to inhibit native tree regeneration in Nepalese Schima–Alnus forests. Maintaining high canopy cover and removing litter of the weed should be tested to control its invasion.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Balami S, Thapa LB, Jha SK (2017) Effect of invasive Ageratina adenophora on species richness and composition of saprotrophic and pathogenic soil fungi. Biotropia 24:212–219

    Google Scholar 

  • Barney JN, Hay AG, Weston LA (2005) Isolation and characterization of allelopathic volatiles from mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). J Chem Ecol 31:247–265

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattarai KP, Mandal TN (2018) Variation in carbon stock in litter fall, fine root and soil in Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) forests of eastern Nepal. Our Nat 16:68–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Callaway RM, Ridenour WM (2004) Novel weapons: invasive success and the evolution of increased competitive ability. Front Ecol Environ 2:436–443

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen F, Peng S, Chen B, Ni G, Liao H (2013) Allelopathic potential and volatile compounds of Rosmarinus officinalis L. against weeds. Allelopath J 32:57

    Google Scholar 

  • Daehler CC (2003) Performance comparisons of co-occurring native and alien invasive plants: implications for conservation and restoration. Annu Rev Ecol Evol Syst 34:183–211

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis MA, Grime JP, Thompson K (2000) Fluctuating resources in plant communities: a general theory of invasibility. J Ecol 88:528–534

    Google Scholar 

  • Dogra KS, Sood SK, Dobhal PK, Sharma S (2010) Alien plant invasion and their impact on indigenous species diversity at global scale: a review. J Ecol Nat Environ 2:175–186

    Google Scholar 

  • Ehrenfeld JG (2003) Effects of exotic plant invasions on soil nutrient cycling processes. Ecosystems 6:503–523

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ens EJ, Bremner JB, French K, Korth J (2009) Identification of volatile compounds released by roots of an invasive plant, Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera spp. rotundata), and their inhibition of native seedling growth. Biol Invasions 11:275–287

    Google Scholar 

  • Eschtruth AK, Battles JJ (2009) Assessing the relative importance of disturbance, herbivory, diversity, and propagule pressure in exotic plant invasion. Ecol Monogr 79:265–280

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng Y, Wang J, Sang W (2007) Biomass allocation, morphology and photosynthesis of invasive and noninvasive exotic species grown at four irradiance levels. Acta Oecol 31:40–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorchov DL, Trisel DE (2003) Competitive effects of the invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder (Caprifoliaceae), on the growth and survival of native tree seedlings. Plant Ecol 166:13–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansi M, Weidenhamer JD, Sinkkonen A (2014) Plant growth responses to inorganic environmental contaminants are density-dependent: experiments with copper sulfate, barley and lettuce. Environ Pollut 184:443–448

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hara H, Charter AH, Williams LJH (1982) An enumeration of the flowering plants of Nepal, vol iii. British Natural History Museum, London

    Google Scholar 

  • He WM, Feng Y, Ridenour WM, Thelen GC, Pollock JL, Diaconu A, Callaway RM (2009) Novel weapons and invasion: biogeographic differences in the competitive effects of Centaurea maculosa and its root exudate (±) catechin. Oecologia 159:803–815

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heckman RW, Carr DE (2015) The effects of leaf litter nutrient pulses on Alliaria petiolata performance. PeerJ 3:e1166

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hejda M, Pyšek P (2006) What is the impact of Impatiens glandulifera on species diversity of invaded riparian vegetation? Biol Conserv 132:143–152

    Google Scholar 

  • Inderjit EH, Crocoll C, Bajpai D, Kaur R, Feng YL, Silva C, Carreon JT, Valiente-Banuet A, Gershenzon J, Callaway RM (2011) Volatile chemicals from leaf litter are associated with invasiveness of a Neotropical weed in Asia. Ecology 92:316–324

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kundu A (2013) Plant growth inhibitory terpenes from Eupatorium adenophorum leaves. J Appl Bot Food Qual 86:33–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Lake JC, Leishman MR (2004) Invasion success of exotic plants in natural ecosystems: the role of disturbance, plant attributes and freedom from herbivores. Biol Conserv 117:215–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu Z, Ma K (2009) Scale dependent relationships between native plant diversity and the invasion of crofton weed (Eupatorium adenophorum) in southwest China. Weed Sci 53:600–604

    Google Scholar 

  • Orr SP, Rudgers JA, Clay K (2005) Invasive plants can inhibit native tree seedlings: testing potential allelopathic mechanisms. Plant Ecol 181:153–165

    Google Scholar 

  • Orwa C, Mutua A, Kindt R, Jamnadass R, Anthony S (2009) Agro-forestry tree database: a tree reference and selection guide version 4.0. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1491. Accessed 1 Sep 2015

  • Pariyar S, Volkova L, Sharma RP, Sunam R, Weston CJ (2019) Aboveground carbon of community-managed Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) forests of Nepal based on stand types and geographic aspects. PeerJ 7:e6494

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Polunin O, Stainton A (1984) Flowers of the Himalaya. Oxford University Press, New Delhi

    Google Scholar 

  • Press JR, Shrestha KK, Sutton DA (2000) Annotated checklist of flowering plants of Nepal. British Natural History Museum, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Rajbhandari SB, Shrestha TB, Adhikari PM, Adhikari SR, Shakya PR (1986) In: Malla SB (ed) Flora of Kathmandu Valley. Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation-Department of Medicinal Plants

  • Ren Q, Cao LZ, Su JW, Xie MH, Zhang QW, Liu XX (2010) Volatile emissions from the invasive weed Eupatorium adenophorum induced by Aphis gossypii feeding and methyl jasmonate treatment. Weed Sci 58:252–257

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rousk J, Bååth E, Brookes PC, Lauber CL, Lozupone C, Caporaso JG, Knight R, Fierer N (2010) Soil bacterial and fungal communities across a pH gradient in an arable soil. ISME J 4:1340–1351

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rudgers JA, Orr S (2009) Non-native grass alters growth of native tree species via leaf and soil microbes. J Ecol 97:247–255

    Google Scholar 

  • Silfver T, Paaso U, Rasehorn M, Rousi M, Mikola J (2015) Genotype × herbivore effect on leaf litter decomposition in Betula pendula saplings: ecological and evolutionary consequences and the role of secondary metabolites. PLoS ONE 10:e0116806

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A (2001) Density-dependent chemical interference—an extension of the biological response model. J Chem Ecol 27:1513–1523

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A (2003) A model describing chemical interference caused by decomposing residues at different densities of growing plants. Plant Soil 250:315–322

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A (2006a) Ecological relationships and allelopathy. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, González L (eds) Allelopathy: a physiological process with ecological implications. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 373–393

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A (2006b) Modelling the effect of density-dependent chemical interference upon seed germination. Dose-Response 3:217–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A (2007) Modelling the effect of autotoxicity on density-dependent phytotoxicity. J Theor Biol 244:218–227

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A (2008) Red reveals branch die-back in Norway maple Acer platanoides. Ann Bot 102:361–366

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A, Somerkoski E, Paaso U, Holopainen JK, Rousi M, Mikola J (2012) Genotypic variation in yellow autumn leaf colours explains aphid load in silver birch. N Phytol 195:461–469

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A, Laitinen OH, Leppiniemi J, Vauramo S, Hytönen VP, Setälä H (2014) Positive association between biotin and the abundance of root-feeding nematodes. Soil Biol Biochem 73:93–95

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stinson KA, Campbell SA, Powell JR, Wolfe BE, Callaway RM, Thelen GC, Hallett SG, Prati D, Klironomos JN (2006) Invasive plant suppresses the growth of native tree seedlings by disrupting belowground mutualisms. PLoS Biol 4:727

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thapa LB, Thapa H, Magar BG (2015) Perception, trends and impacts of climate change in Kailali District, Far West Nepal. Int J Environ 4:62–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Thapa LB, Kaewchumnong K, Sinkkonen A, Sridith K (2016a) Impacts of invasive Chromolaena odorata on species richness, composition and seedling recruitment of Shorea robusta in a tropical Sal Forest, Nepal. Songklanakarin J Sci Technol 38:683–689

    Google Scholar 

  • Thapa LB, Kaewchumnong K, Sinkkonen A, Sridith K (2016b) Plant communities and Ageratina adenophora invasion in lower montane vegetation, central Nepal. Int J Ecol Dev 31:35–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Thapa LB, Kaewchumnong K, Sinkkonen A, Sridith K (2017) Plant invasiveness and target plant density: high densities of native Schima wallichii seedlings reduce negative effects of invasive Ageratina adenophora. Weed Res 57:72–80

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thapa LB, Kaewchumnong K, Sinkkonen A, Sridith K (2020) “Soaked in rainwater” effect of Ageratina adenophora on seedling growth and development of native tree species in Nepal. Flora 263:151554

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiwari S, Siwakoti M, Adhikari B, Subedi K (2005) An inventory and assessment of invasive alien plant species of Nepal. IUCN: The World Conservation Union, Kathmandu, pp 25–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Torreta NK, Takeda H (1999) Carbon and nitrogen dynamics of decomposing leaf litter in a tropical hill evergreen forest. Eur J Soil Biol 35:57–63

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tripathi RS, Yadav AS, Kushwaha SPS (2012) Biology of Chromolaena odorata and Ageratina adenophora. In: Bhatt JR, Singh JS, Singh SP, Tripathi RS, Kohli RK (eds) Invasive alien plants: an ecological appraisal for the Indian subcontinent. CAB International Publishing, Wallingford, pp 1–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Vila M, Espinar JL, Hejda M, Hulme PE, Jarosik V, Maron JL, Pergl J, Schaffner U, Sun Y, Pysek P (2011) Ecological impacts of invasive alien plants: a meta-analysis of their effects on species, communities and ecosystems. Ecol Lett 14:702–708

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wan F, Liu W, Guo J, Qiang S, Li B, Wang J, Wang W (2010) Invasive mechanism and control strategy of Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel). Sci China Life Sci 53:1291–1298

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wan HH, Liu WX, Wan FH (2011) Allelopathic effect of Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) leaf litter on four herbaceous plants in invaded regions. Chin J Eco-Agric 19:130–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang R, Wang YZ (2006) Invasion dynamics and potential spread of the invasive alien plant species Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae) in China. Divers Distrib 12:397–408

    Google Scholar 

  • Weidenhamer JD, Hartnett DC, Romeo JT (1989) Density-dependent phytotoxicity: distinguishing resource competition and allelopathic interference in plants. J Appl Ecol 26:613–624

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe BE, Klironomos JN (2005) Breaking new ground: soil communities and exotic plant invasion. Bioscience 55:477–487

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu X, Yu D, Lu Z, Ma K (2005) A new mechanism of invader success: exotic plant inhibits natural vegetation restoration by changing soil microbe community. Chin Sci Bull 50:1105–1112

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang F, Guo J, Chen F, Liu W, Wan F (2012) Identification of volatile compounds released by leaves of the invasive plant crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora, Compositae), and their inhibition of rice seedling growth. Weed Sci 60:205–211

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang KM, Shi L, Jiang CD, Li ZY (2008) Inhibition of Ageratina adenophora on spore germination and gametophyte development of Macrothelypteris torresiana. J Integr Plant Biol 50:559–564

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Central Department of Botany (CDB), Tribhuvan University (TU), Kathmandu, Nepal for providing greenhouse and aboratory facilities, and Graduate School, Prince of Songkla University, Songkla, Thailand for study grant. We are thankful to Department of Plant Resource, Nepal for granting research permission.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal

    Lal B. Thapa

  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkla, 90112, Thailand

    Krittika Kaewchumnong & Kitichate Sridith

  3. Natural Resources Institute Finland, Horticulture Technologies, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4A, 20520, Turku, Finland

    Aki Sinkkonen

Authors
  1. Lal B. Thapa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Krittika Kaewchumnong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Aki Sinkkonen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kitichate Sridith
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Krittika Kaewchumnong.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Communicated by Chuihua Kong.

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Thapa, L.B., Kaewchumnong, K., Sinkkonen, A. et al. Airborne and belowground phytotoxicity of invasive Ageratina adenophora on native species in Nepal. Plant Ecol 221, 883–892 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-020-01048-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-020-01048-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation