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Impact of changes in the light environment caused by an invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)”

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2016, MS, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Biological Sciences.
Invasive species are an environmental problem throughout the world. In the midwestern United States, invasion by Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) has been shown to reduce the growth, reproduction, and diversity of native plants. An interesting aspect of this species is its extended leaf phenology. Amur honeysuckle leafs out earlier in the spring than most native shrubs and understory trees and loses its leaves later in the fall. Few studies, however, have determined whether extended leaf phenology affects species richness by shading. To assess potential impacts of extended leaf phenology, I first tested whether there were differences in light intensity and temperature under Amur honeysuckle compared to natural understory. I found that both light levels and temperature were significantly lower under Amur honeysuckle compared to natural understory, especially in early spring. Based on these findings, I experimentally examined how comparable levels of shading in the spring and over the entire growing season affected the abundance and community patterns of forest floor species. Shading reduced species diversity, but there was no difference between the spring treatment and the full season treatment. Overall the results indicate that extended leaf phenology, particularly early leaf out in the spring, reduces light and temperature levels which reduces the diversity of native understory plants.
Stephen Matter, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Ishi Buffam, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Theresa Culley, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
42 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Chen, H. Y. (2016). Impact of changes in the light environment caused by an invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)” [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1468335505

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Chen, Hao Yuan. Impact of changes in the light environment caused by an invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)”. 2016. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1468335505.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Chen, Hao Yuan. "Impact of changes in the light environment caused by an invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)”." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1468335505

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)