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Abstract Detail



Recent Topics Posters

Freundlich, Anna [1], Martine, Christopher [2].

Invasion of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) correlates with decreased native plant diversity in riparian communities along the Susquehanna River.

Invasive species can have major impacts on native flora and natural communities.  Non-native plants can successfully out-compete native plants such that native plant densities are reduced or species disappear completely. This study seeks to quantify the impact of Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) on riparian plant communities along the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania.  Two study communities, one relatively intact and one invaded by Japanese knotweed, were surveyed.  Both areas were sampled across the herbaceous, understory, and canopy layers.  Densities and presence/absence were recorded for 30 x 12m plots within each study area.   Preliminary findings indicate that plots in sites invaded by P. cuspidatum are significantly less diverse than those in intact plots.  Species recorded within both communities, such as the common blue violet (Viola cucullata), smooth Solomon’s seal (Polygonum biflorum), and green dragon (Arisaema dracontium), had significantly reduced densities in the invaded plots compared to the intact plots.  The findings indicate that Japanese knotweed should be eradicated when detected in order to maintain plant diversity in uninvaded riparian communities. 

Broader Impacts:


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1 - Bucknell University, Department of Biology, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, USA
2 - Bucknell University, Biological Sciences, 203 Biology Building, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, USA

Keywords:
invasive species
Polygonum cuspidatum
Japanese knotweed
Riparian
community structure.

Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT025
Abstract ID:1320
Candidate for Awards:None


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