A5029430908- Biological Control of Invasive Species
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Plant and animal studies
- Weed Control and Herbicide Applications
- Allelopathy and phytotoxic interactions
- Forest Insect Ecology and Management
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Botany and Plant Ecology Studies
- Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Plant Toxicity and Pharmacological Properties
- Botany, Ecology, and Taxonomy Studies
- Plant and fungal interactions
- Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
- Mediterranean and Iberian flora and fauna
- Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions
- Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems
- Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
- Plant Taxonomy and Phylogenetics
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Botanical Research and Chemistry
- Sesquiterpenes and Asteraceae Studies
- Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases
University of Fribourg
2016-2025
Huazhong Agricultural University
2023-2025
University of Tehran
2021-2024
Agroscope
2022
Flagstaff Medical Center
2018
University of Freiburg
2014
CABI Switzerland
1994
University of Basel
1991-1992
Federal Office for Agriculture
1991
Imperial College London
1991
Abstract Niche‐based models calibrated in the native range by relating species observations to climatic variables are commonly used predict potential spatial extent of species’ invasion. This climate matching approach relies on assumption that invasive conserve their niche invaded ranges. We test this analysing spaces Spotted Knapweed western North America and Europe. show with robust cross‐continental data a shift observed occurred between non‐native ranges, providing first empirical...
Summary This account presents information on all aspects of the biology Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Common ragweed) that are relevant to understanding its ecology. The main topics presented within standard framework Biological Flora British Isles : distribution, habitat, communities, responses biotic factors, environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral seed characters, herbivores disease, history, conservation, impacts management. is a monoecious, wind‐pollinated, annual herb...
Summary What confers invasive alien plants a competitive advantage over native remains open to debate. Many of the world's worst are clonal and able share resources within clones (clonal integration), particularly in heterogeneous environments. Here, we tested hypothesis that integration benefits more than natives thus invasives advantage. We selected five congeneric naturally co‐occurring pairs China, grew connected disconnected ramets under light, soil nutrient water conditions commonly...
The increased translocation of plant species for biodiversity restoration and habitat creation has provoked a debate on provenance genotypic diversity the used material. Nonlocal provenances are often not adapted to local environmental conditions, low population may result in genetic bottlenecks hampering successful establishment. We tested differentiation four agri-environment schemes increase agricultural landscapes (wildflower strips). Provenances were collected close experimental field...
Polyploidy is often assumed to increase the spread and thus success of alien plant species, but few empirical studies exist. We tested this hypothesis with Centaurea maculosa Lam., a species native Europe introduced into North America approximately 120 years ago where it became highly invasive. analyzed ploidy level more than 2000 plants from 93 48 invasive C. populations found pronounced shift in relative frequency diploid tetraploid cytotypes. In occur higher frequencies tetraploids only...
Summary Adaptation of plant populations to local environments has been shown in many species but adaptation is not always apparent and spatial scales differentiation are well known. In a reciprocal transplant experiment we tested whether: (i) three widespread grassland locally adapted at European scale; (ii) detection depends on competition with the community; (iii) between neighbouring from contrasting habitats can be stronger than scale. Seeds Holcus lanatus , Lotus corniculatus Plantago...
Evolutionary theory suggests that divergent natural selection in heterogeneous environments can result locally adapted plant genotypes. To understand local adaptation it is important to study the ecological factors responsible for selection. At a continental scale, variation climate be while at scale soil properties could also play role. We designed an experiment aimed disentangle role of and (abiotic biotic) two common species. A grass (Holcus lanatus) legume (Lotus corniculatus), as well...
The maternal environment may contribute to population differentiation in offspring traits if growing conditions of mother plants are different. However, the magnitude such environmental effects compared with genetic is often not clear. We tested importance by comparing parental seed directly collected field and F1 grown under homogeneous conditions. seeds were obtained random crosses within populations. used five populations each four plant species analyse mass growth chamber germination...
Abstract Invasive alien species (IAS) can substantially affect ecosystem services and human well-being. However, quantitative assessments of their impact on health are rare the benefits implementing IAS management likely to be underestimated. Here we report effects allergenic plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia public in Europe potential accidentally introduced leaf beetle Ophraella communa number patients healthcare costs. We find that, prior establishment O. , some 13.5 million persons suffered...
Abstract Our ability to predict invasions has been hindered by the seemingly idiosyncratic context-dependency of individual invasions. However, we argue that robust and useful generalisations in invasion science can be made considering “invasion syndromes” which define as “a combination pathways, alien species traits, characteristics recipient ecosystem collectively result predictable dynamics impacts, managed effectively using specific policy management actions”. We describe this approach...
1 Previous studies have reported significant influences of maternal environment on offspring fitness in plants. We investigated the early plant development from seeds Centaurea maculosa plants grown four environments increasing severity: (1) control; (2) herbivory; (3) herbivory + nutrient shortage; and (4) shortage grass competition. 2 Although these treatments had huge effects size mother number they produced, there was no evidence that affected weight produced. There was, however,...
Summary In endangered wooded pasture ecosystems established tree saplings are frequently found in spatial association with protective structures, suggesting nurse effects. This associational resistance is thought to be a driving force behind regeneration pastures. Experimental evidence for is, however, scarce. We studied the effects of unpalatable plants on sapling performance ecosystem Switzerland and tested hypothesis experimentally. transplanted 600 Picea abies two size classes (5 cm 10...
One commonly accepted mechanism for biological invasions is that species, after introduction to a new region, leave behind their natural enemies and therefore increase in distribution abundance. However, which are escaped remains unclear. Escape from specialist invertebrate herbivores has been examined detail, but despite the profound effects of generalist communities potential control invasive species poorly understood. We carried out parallel laboratory feeding bioassays with native...
Phenotypic plasticity may allow organisms to cope with altered environmental conditions as e.g. after the introduction into a new range. In particular polyploid organisms, containing more than two sets of chromosomes, show high levels plasticity, which could in turn increase their tolerance and invasiveness. Here, we studied role phenotypic invasion Centaurea stoebe (Asteraceae), native range Europe occurs diploids tetraploids, whereas introduced North America so far only tetraploids have...
G erber E, S chaffner U, assmann A, H inz HL, eier M & üller‐ chärer (2011). Prospects for biological control of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe: learning from the past. Weed Research 51 , 559–573. Summary The recent invasion by (common ragweed) has, like no other plant, raised awareness invasive plants Europe. main concerns regarding this plant are that it produces a large amount highly allergenic pollen causes high rates sensitisation among humans, but also A. is increasingly...
Summary 1. Introduced plants have the potential to rapidly evolve traits of ecological importance that may add their innate become invasive. During invasions, selection favour genotypes are already pre‐adapted conditions in new habitat and, over time, alter characteristics subsequent generations. 2. Spotted knapweed ( Centaurea stoebe ) occurs two predominantly spatially separated cytotypes its native range (Europe–Western Asia), but currently only tetraploid form has been confirmed...
Summary We report the occurrence of North American ragweed leaf beetle Ophraella communa in Europe. During our surveys to monitor populations invasive alien plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia Europe, we found south Alps, more than 130 sites southern Switzerland (Ticino) and northern Italy (Lombardia, Piemonte Emilia‐Romagna). At where O. was present, up 100% plants were attacked with damage levels high enough completely defoliate prevent flowering seed set most plants. That its first year...
Abstract Aim The spotted knapweed ( Centaurea stoebe ), a plant native to south‐east and central Europe, is highly invasive in North America. We investigated the spatio‐temporal climatic niche dynamics of America along two putative eastern western invasion routes. then considered patterns observed light historical, ecological evolutionary factors. Location Europe Methods characteristics east west populations were determined from documented occurrences over 120 consecutive years (1890–2010)....
Abstract Functional traits are frequently proposed to determine the invasiveness of alien species. However, few empirical studies have directly manipulated functional and tested their importance in invasion success species into native plant communities, particularly under global change. We clonal integration (a key trait) four plants by severing inter‐ramet connections or keeping them intact simulated communities with two levels diversity, population density nutrient availability. High...