Establishment of an invasive grass in closed-canopy deciduous forests across local and regional environmental gradients

Cynthia Huebner

doi:10.1007/s10530-009-9609-y

Treesearch

Establishment of an invasive grass in closed-canopy deciduous forests across local and regional environmental gradients

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Cynthia Huebner

Year:

2010

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-009-9609-y

Source:

Biological Invasions. 12: 2069-2080.

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Abstract

Establishment of Microstegium vimineum, an invasive exotic grass, in closed-canopy U.S. eastern forests was evaluated across a local (roadside to forest interior) and regional (across two geographic provinces) environmental gradient in West Virginia. The two geographic provinces were the Allegheny Plateau (more mesic) and the Ridge and Valley Province (more xeric). Biotic, abiotic, and disturbance variables were measured in (1) systematically located plots, starting from the roadside and extending 50 m into the forests, and (2) randomly selected, forest interior plots, with equal numbers of plots containing or not containing M. vimineum. Associations between the variables and the presence of M. vimineum at both scales were evaluated using generalized linear models.

Keywords

environmental gradient, forest interiors, invasive plants, Microstegium vimineum

Citation

Huebner, Cynthia D. 2010. Establishment of an invasive grass in closed-canopy deciduous forests across local and regional environmental gradients. Biological Invasions. 12: 2069-2080.