A5073825229- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Biological Control of Invasive Species
- Plant and animal studies
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Forest Insect Ecology and Management
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Forest Management and Policy
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics
- Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
- Plant and fungal interactions
- Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment
- Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
Cornell University
2018-2025
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
2018-2025
University of North Carolina Wilmington
2023-2025
Virginia Tech
2025
Colorado State University
2017-2023
Summary Many widespread invasive plant species express high phenotypic variation across novel environments, providing a unique opportunity to examine ecological and evolutionary dynamics under global change. However, studies often lack information about the origin of introduced populations, limiting our understanding post‐introduction evolution. We assessed responses Reynoutria japonica from 128 populations spanning latitudinal transects in native (China Japan), (North America Europe) ranges...
While successful plant invasions often occur in novel environments, invasive species usually occupy broad niches within their native and introduced ranges. A better understanding of the process invasion therefore requires a wide sampling ranges, good knowledge introduction history. We tested for differentiation herbivore resistance among 128 (European, North American) (Chinese, Japanese) populations Japanese knotweed Reynoutria japonica two common gardens range: one Shanghai other Yunnan. In...
Abstract Many widespread invasive plant species express high phenotypic variation across novel environments, providing a unique opportunity to examine ecological and evolutionary dynamics under global change. However, biogeographical studies often lack information about the origin of introduced populations, limiting our understanding post-introduction evolution in new range. Here, we assessed responses Reynoutria japonica from 128 populations spanning three latitudinal transects native...
Abstract What drives the evolution of increased growth and fecundity in plants introduced to a novel range is not well understood. We investigate between‐range differences performance for Verbascum thapsus , weedy invader known grow larger its than native range. Specifically, we question whether adaptation herbivory or climate best explains populations. grew 14 22 populations V. two common garden locations: near Prague, Czech Republic (native range) Colorado, USA (introduced range). By...
Abstract Development of a biological control program for invasive Phagmites australis in North America required 20 years careful research, and consideration management alternatives. A recent paper by Kiviat et al. (Biol Invasions 21:2529–2541, 2019. 10.1007/s10530-019-02014-9 ) articulates opposition to this biocontrol questions the ethics thoroughness researchers. Here we address inaccuracies misleading statements presented (2019), followed brief overview why targeting Phragmites can be...
Abstract Introduced plants create lasting abiotic and biotic changes to soil that are increasingly implicated as major drivers of invasion success, yet models for investigating patterns in the impacts these legacies lacking. Here, we used Bohemian knotweed ( Reynoutria × bohemica ) present a novel approach testing whether accounting diverse evolutionary can clarify how an invader's legacy mediates its success. For most tested species, R. 's did not influence seedling performance irrespective...
Abstract Land managers spend substantial resources managing invasive species to mitigate their negative ecological and economic impacts. However, management is seldom coupled with empirical assessments of outcomes or the impacts target species. Additionally, study has, until recently, neglected acknowledge co‐stressors on native communities, which often are drivers degradation. We assessed effects plant Vincetoxicum rossicum its removal understory as well whether these were mediated by deer...
Successful plant invasions are often explained with adaptation to novel environments. However, invasive species occupy broad niches within their native and introduced ranges, a true understanding of microevolution during invasion therefore requires sampling ideally knowledge introduction history. We tested for genetic differentiation in herbivore resistance among 128 (Europe, North America) (China, Japan) populations the Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) two common gardens range. In...
Abstract Theory to explain how plants defend themselves against herbivorous insects is rich, but can be difficult test. Biological invasions provide unique opportunities test and improve upon plant defense theory, as experience predictable shifts in insect herbivory after introduction a new range. Here, we use an invasion evaluate the power of three cornerstone hypotheses predict evolution insects. These represent increasing refinements classic plant‐insect theory regarding optimal defense,...
Abstract Introduction and spread of non‐native plants provide ecologists evolutionary biologists with abundant scientific opportunities. However, land managers charged preventing ecological impacts face financial logistical challenges to reduce threats by introduced species. The available toolbox (chemical, mechanical, or biological) is also rather limited. Failure permanently suppress species mechanical chemical treatments may result in biocontrol programs using host‐specific insect...