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Nutrient Addition and Moisture Promote the Invasiveness of Crimson Fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Sebataolo J. Rahlao ,
Karen J. Esler ,
Sue J. Milton  and
Phoebe Barnard
Sebataolo J. Rahlao*
Affiliation:
Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
Karen J. Esler
Affiliation:
Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
Sue J. Milton
Affiliation:
Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa DST Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
Phoebe Barnard
Affiliation:
Climate Change and BioAdaptation Division, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa DST Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: sebataolo.rahlao@uct.ac.za
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Abstract

We conducted a greenhouse study to examine the effects of different habitat conditions and environmental resources on the growth rates of crimson fountaingrass, an invasive, alien, perennial grass in South Africa. To help understand the factors promoting the spread of this emergent alien grass, we investigated the effects of temperature regimes, nutrient and moisture addition, and soil type on seedling growth rates and biomass allocation. Our results suggest that crimson fountaingrass seedlings do not tolerate drought because they died within 1 mo without water. Additional nutrients and extra water increased seedling growth rates throughout the study period. Higher temperatures with extra moisture increased seedling growth rates and the development of belowground biomass throughout the study period. This study demonstrates the importance of available environmental resources and their interaction with some habitat conditions in promoting crimson fountaingrass growth. We suggest that soil moisture and nutrient availability are critical factors affecting successful establishment of crimson fountaingrass in arid environments. Managers should target seedlings for removal following precipitation and in areas of nutrient enrichment, such as near rivers and at road–river crossings.

Keywords

Crimson fountaingrass, Pennisetum setaceum (Forsk.) Chiov. PESSAAlien invasive grassgreenhouse experimentgrowth conditionsseedling biomass accumulation
Type
Research Article
Information
Weed Science , Volume 58 , Issue 2 , June 2010 , pp. 154 - 159
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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