Restraints on Mikania micrantha by Cuscuta campestris facilitates restoration of the disturbed ecosystems

Abstract

Exotic plant invasions are generally promoted by disturbance of ecosystems, and the disturbed ecosystems are further degraded by invasive plants. Although many studies focus on the eradication of exotic invaders, sustainable management strategies need to consider both the control of invasive plants and the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Instead of introducing natural enemies, the holoparasite Cuscuta campestris in the invaded regions was adopted to defend against the exotic invasive Mikania micrantha. After detecting the changes in native plant communities and soil chemical properties in invaded stands responding to the Cuscuta agent, we discovered that the effects of Cuscuta suppressed the growth and invasiveness of M. micrantha by absorbing nutrients (e.g., N and K), and changed the nutrient correlations between Mikania and the soil in invaded stands. Restraints on Mikania by Cuscuta resulted in an increase in community biodiversity and soil nutrient resources (e.g., total N, available P and K), enhanced native species and ameliorated soil properties, facilitating the recovery of the invaded community and restoration of degraded ecosystems. Cuscuta agent in this study implies that a parasite agent of an invaded region can be an effective means to defend exotic invasions, and facilitate invaded-stand restorations.

Keywords:

• biological control
• community recovery
• exotic invasive species
• nutrient competition
• plant-parasite interaction
• plant-soil feedback