Study explores reasons for weed invasion success in NZFriday 28 Feb 2025
A Scion study, the focus of a New Zealand Journal of Ecology article published on February 21, seeks to understand why, to help inform strategies for addressing the problem. This study is part of Scion’s Vive la résistance programme, which started in 2021 and has $12.85 million in funding through the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour fund. The study investigated cone and seed traits of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) from several major invasion sites across NZ compared with its native range. The comparison across six sites showed the average number of filled seeds per cone was 74 – at least three times higher than that recorded in its native range and about 50 percent higher than previous NZ estimates. Scion’s researchers predict this increase in the number of seeds has likely enhanced the invasion success of lodgepole pine by allowing it to spread quickly and overwhelm ecosystems. “The average number of seed scales per cone is similar between NZ and the native range,” Scion invasion ecologist and article lead author Tom Carlin says. “Therefore we suggest this trait shift towards a greater seed holding capacity may be due to an increase in the proportion of fertile scales.” “This demonstrated trait shift is unsurprising given lodgepole pine has fewer natural enemies in New Zealand, thrives in our growing conditions and has potentially produced more invasive hybrids since its introduction.” Some sites were found to have produced fewer seeds, such as Craigieburn near Christchurch, where the national wilding conifer control programme has had some success in removing pollen-producing individuals. “Keeping the number of pollen-producing adults low slows population spread as seeds don't get fertilised,” Tom says. More >> Source & image credit: Scion | ||
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