Crassula helmsii in U.K. ponds: Effects on plant biodiversity and implications for newt conservation
Authors
Langdon, Samantha J.Marrs, Robert H.
Hosie, Charlotte A.
McAllister, Hugh A.
Norris, Karen M.
Potter, Jacqueline
Affiliation
University College ChesterPublication Date
2009-06-15
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
We conducted preliminary investigations into some of the potential effects of Australian swamp stonecrop, a nonnative invasive aquatic plant in the U.K., on native pond plants and newt populations. Four studies were carried out in the northwest of England, in the field and under controlled conditions, during the period 2002 to 2003. Six plant species, which are important to newts as an egg-laying substrate, showed significant germination suppression up to 83% under Australian swamp stonecrop. However, there was no significant effect of Australian swamp stonecrop on pond seed banks, and no significant loss of plant species was observed in ponds invaded by the weed. Smooth newt eggs hatched at a later developmental stage when laid on Australian swamp stonecrop compared with those laid on the native substrate watercress, generally considered to be a preferred species. No significant differences in developmental stage at hatching could be detected between substrates in the great crested newt, a protected species.Citation
Weed Technology, 2004, 18(5), pp. 1349–1352Publisher
Weed Science Society of AmericaJournal
Weed TechnologyAdditional Links
http://www.wssa.net/WSSA/Pubs/WeedTech.htmType
ArticleLanguage
enDescription
This article is not available through ChesterRep.ISSN
0890-037Xae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1614/0890-037X(2004)018[1349