Informace o publikaci
Challenges for seed production of hemiparasitic plants to suppress expansive and invasive plants in extensive grasslands
| Autoři | |
|---|---|
| Rok publikování | 2025 |
| Fakulta / Pracoviště MU | |
| Citace | |
| Popis | Root-hemiparasites inhibit the growth of host plants by absorbing resources from their below-ground organs, thereby reducing their vigour and abundance. We can utilize this phenomenon to suppress expansive and invasive species in grasslands, such as Calamagrostis epigejos, Symphyotrichum spp. and Solidago spp. Nevertheless, the lack of significant amounts of purchasable seeds hinders the broader application of hemiparasites in grassland restoration. Therefore, we established experimental plots with various host species and tested the host suitability and seed production of three annual hemiparasitic plant species: Rhinanthus alectorolophus, Odontites vernus, and Melampyrum arvense. While the host species spectra are relatively known, the main challenge is balancing the vigour of both plant groups: dense host canopy during hemiparasites’ germination causes their overshading and a strong decline in population density, while weak hosts present poor sources of nutrients. Thus, the amount of soil nutrients, seed sowing density of the hosts, and timing of the establishment of the host culture must be carefully considered. Another problem is hemiparasites’ susceptibility to seed shedding before harvest and continuous ripening, in the case of Melampyrum arvense. Hemiparasites could serve as an alternative to the undesirable use of herbicides or complete sward renovation to restore degraded grasslands, but mass seed production represents a significant challenge. |
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