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Faculty Advisors

Mueller, Kevin; Rauschert, Emily

Description

There is very little data on the interaction between native and invasive shrubs in Eastern North America. There are a number of traits that make the establishment and impact of shrubs different than other species. Early emergence of leaves and varying rates of photosynthesis play a significant role. How plants use water, and how plants are influenced by drought have not been studied thoroughly. This is important for a better understanding of how plants will respond to the alteration of precipitation regimes that occur from climate change. Research has been predominantly focused on how water availability can shape the interspecies plant competition. Species of interest are Honeysuckle (Lonicera Morrowii, Lonicera x Bella), Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum), Red Maple (Acer Rubrum) and Multiflora Rose (Rosa Multiflora). Photosynthetic rates were measured by observing gas exchange vs light level for each species. Water potentials of leaves are recorded to better understand the depth of water usage and water stress levels of the plants. Drought tolerance for each species is measured by recording the turgor loss point of a leave after complete saturation. The species interaction between native and invasive shrubs should be taken into account when assessing the impacts they pose on Eastern North American Forests.

Publication Date

2018

College

College of Sciences and Health Professions

Department

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences

Disciplines

Life Sciences

Quantifying the ability of common invasive shrubs to acquire and use water, to tolerate drought, and compete with native plants within Holden Arboretum, Ohio

Included in

Life Sciences Commons

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