Hybridization and sexual reproduction in the invasive alien Fallopia (Polygonaceae) complex in Belgium.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The knotweed complex, Fallopia spp. (Polygonaceae), belongs to the most troublesome invasive species in Europe and North America. Vegetative regeneration is widely recognized as the main mode of reproduction in the adventive regions. However, the contribution of sexual reproduction to the success of these invasive species has only been detailed for the British Isles. An examination was made as to how hybridization may influence the sexual reproduction of the complex in Belgium and to determine how it may contribute to the dispersal of the species.

Methods

Studies were made of floral biology, reproductive success, seed rain, seed bank, germination capacity, seedling survival and dispersal capacity in order to characterize the reproductive biology of the sp

SUBMITTER: Tiebre MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2802983 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature