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Ecology and Invasive potential of Paulownia Tomentosa (Scrulariaceae) in a Hardwood Forest Landscape

Longbrake, A. Christina W.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou992358342

Abstract Details

2001, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Plant Biology (Arts and Sciences).
Introduction of non-native species is the oldest form of human-induced global change. From the exchange of agricultural crops and domestic animals, to the accidental introduction of weeds and microbes, non-native species have been incorporated into the floras and faunas of all continents and most oceanic islands. These organisms can have marked effects on ecosystems. I wanted to address the following facets of non-native species invasion: (1) What characteristics of ecosystems make them more susceptible to non-native species invasion? and (2) What characteristics of the invader allow invasion? To address these questions, I used a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance common in southeastern Ohio forests: intact secondary forest, forest edge, and aggrading clear cuts. Paulownia tomentosa is a tree native to Asia and thought to have been introduced to North America in the 1840's. The species has naturalized throughout Appalachia. I studied the growth, allocation, establishment, and seed persistence across habitats. I also became interested in the basic ecology of P. tomentosa, particularly the ability of the species to resprout and phenotypic plasticity in naturalized populations. The most important factors in determining the invasive potential of P. tomentosa were disturbance and herbivory. Paulownia tomentosa is an early successional species that can grow rapidly under high light conditions. Seed ecology suggests that the species can form a persistent seed bank. However, light is required for germination and seeds responded positively to soil disturbance. Large gaps may be sufficient to allow seeds in the seed bank to germinate and grow to the canopy. However, the species is very susceptible to herbivory. Plants had to be protected from mammals in order to persist. Even though above- and below-ground competition affected plant growth and allocation, it did not affect the overall success of plants. Paulownia tomentosa can resprout at an early age and initially invests heavily in below-ground biomass. Naturalized populations showed some variability in traits, particularly in those associated with below-ground biomass and growth of roots. Paulownia tomentosa has potential to remain a part of the mixed mesophytic forests of North America since it can form a seed bank, disperse seeds to great distances, and grow quickly once established.
Brian McCarthy (Advisor)
174 p.
terrestrial biological invasions; non-native plant; disturbance hypothesis; clear cut habitat; forest edge habitat

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Longbrake, A. C. W. (2001). Ecology and Invasive potential of Paulownia Tomentosa (Scrulariaceae) in a Hardwood Forest Landscape [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou992358342

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Longbrake, A. Christina. Ecology and Invasive potential of Paulownia Tomentosa (Scrulariaceae) in a Hardwood Forest Landscape. 2001. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou992358342.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Longbrake, A. Christina. "Ecology and Invasive potential of Paulownia Tomentosa (Scrulariaceae) in a Hardwood Forest Landscape." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2001. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou992358342

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.