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Impact of Sphagneticola trilobata on Plant Diversity in Soils in South-East Viti Levu, Fiji



Author(s)

Apaitia R. Macanawai

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DOI:10.17265/1934-7391/2013.06.011

Tropical Weed Research Unit, Plant Protection Section, Koronivia Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture, Nausori, Fiji

Wedelia (Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski) has become one of the most dominant invasive plant species in Fiji. However, the soil seed bank of its monospecific stand and its ability to reproduce by seed is relatively unknown. A soil seed bank study was undertaken in a monospecific stand of S. trilobata in Sawani, Natavea and Wainivesi in south-east Viti Levu, Fiji in March 2012. The soil samples were collected from within 1.0 m²quadrat taken at 10 spots in each of the study areas and spread thinly over a base of Yates Thrive Premium potting mix in seedling trays and placed in a glasshouse at Koronivia Research Station, Fiji. A total of 23, 26 and 33 plant species were found in the soil seed bank in Wainivesi, Sawani and Natavea respectively which may have succumbed to S. trilobata invasiability. There were ca. 3,800 (17%), 2,100 (11%) and 2,600 (6%) germinable S. trilobata seeds·m^-2 inthe soil seed bank in Wainivesi, Sawani and Natavea areas respectively. This study has demonstrated that S. trilobata seeds may have a role in the spread of the invasive species in Fiji and movement of soil to S. trilobata free areas should be restricted.

Sphagneticola trilobata, wedelia, Fiji, soil seed bank, quadrat, invasive.