Early stages of decay of Lythrum salicaria L. and Typha latifolia L. in a standing-dead position
In: Aquatic Botany. Elsevier Science: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; London; Amsterdam. ISSN 0304-3770; e-ISSN 1879-1522, more
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| Keywords |
Anatomical structures > Body organs > Plant organs > Shoots
Anatomical structures > Body organs > Plant organs > Stems
Biodiversity
Chemical reactions > Degradation
Chemical reactions > Degradation > Decay
Taxa > Species > Introduced species
USA, New York
Water bodies > Inland waters > Wetlands
Lythrum salicaria L. [WoRMS]; Typha latifolia L. [WoRMS]
New York [Marine Regions]
Fresh water |
| Author keywords |
decomposition; ergosterol; New York State; nitrogen; freshwater marsh |
| Authors | | Top |
- Welsch, M.
- Yavitt, J.B., correspondent
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| Abstract |
Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) has invaded wetlands across North America and is known to have negative effects on native plant species and diversity. The effects of this invasion on ecosystem processes are less well known. We examined decomposition of L. salicaria stems versus that of native Typha latifolia (broad-leaved cattail) in a previously cultivated, freshwater marsh in central New York State. We expected different decomposition rates and differences in litter quality of L. salicaria stems and T. latifolia shoots. We also quantified ergosterol concentration, an index of fungal biomass. However, standing-dead T. latifolia shoots and L. salicaria stems had lost similar quantities of mass (20-25%) after 1 year. Subsequent heavy snowfall and winter winds caused tissue fragmentation and much greater mass loss, but still similar for both plant species. Ergosterol concentrations were greater in T. latifolia shoots than in L. salicaria stems; yet, changes in tissue concentrations of nitrogen (N) and Klason lignin were very similar for both plant species. Therefore, although native T. latifolia may be more favorable in wetlands, the results of this study suggest that L. salicaria stems and T. latifolia shoots decompose in a similar fashion and have similar influence on the ecosystem-level processes measured in this study. |
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