Low biotic resistance to cheatgrass invasion in Patagonia: Evidence from competition experiments
- Franzese, Jorgelina
- Di Virgilio, Agustina Soledad
- Pirk, Gabriela Inés
- Lescano, María Natalia
- Speziale, Karina Lilian
DOIAbstract
Early competition between native and non-native species can greatly influence ecosystem integrity through its effect on species regeneration, which can be further modulated by environmental context. Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass, winter annual grass) has recently invaded the temperate grasslands of Patagonia Argentina ecosystems mainly used for extensive livestock raising. We evaluated the relative impact of competition from B. tectorum on two native species with different life-forms, from the seedling stage: Vulpia australis, the only winter annual grass in the community, and Bromus setifolius, a perennial grass highly palatable to livestock. The effect of asymmetric competition between B. tectorum (seedling or adult individuals) on B. setif...
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