2025

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Understanding competition between two invasive woody plants of India under an altered rainfall regime
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Prakash Rajak; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. Singh
Prosopis juliflora and Leucaena leucocephala are notable examples of invasive woody plants that can spread throughout similar habitats in India. However, little is known about how these two species may interact with one another if future rainfall pattern shifts, which is particularly concerning. Recognizing the pivotal role of eco-physiological parameters in deciphering the dynamics of interspecific competition, a study was devised to elucidate the interplay between L. leucocephala and P. juliflora under simulated rainfall conditions. At Botanical Garden, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India, three fixed rainout shelter plots were established, each receiving distinct precipitation levels: low rainfall (LR), normal rainfall (NR), and high rainfall (HR). Within each plot, three replicate subplots were dedicated to pure stands of L. leucocephala (L), pure stands of P. juliflora (P), and mixed stands of the two species (LP). The findings of the study underscore significant variations in soil Inorganic N, N-mineralization, based on precipitation levels, with maximum values observed in HR plot and L. Similarly, biomass, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate exhibited significant variability in response to precipitation treatment, reaching their highest values in HR plot and L. Conversely, root length, root-shoot ratio, and water use efficiency peaked in LR plot and P, presenting a contrasting trend. This study suggests that L. leucocephala may facilitate the growth of P. juliflora by improving the soil's nitrogen availability and, consequently, the eco-physiological characteristics of the plant in mixed plant stands. Furthermore, L. leucocephala is providing P. juliflora with favourable conditions for robust growth under water stress—a scenario indicative of Facilitative approach. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.
Rainfall fluctuation causes the invasive plant Prosopis juliflora to adapt ecophysiologically and change phenotypically
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Prakash Rajak; Talat Afreen; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. Singh
Understanding the impact of rainfall variability on the ecophysiology of invasive plants in tropical grasslands is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management. Climate change alters rainfall patterns, which, in turn, may influence the functional traits and physiological responses of plants. Recent studies have explored how fluctuating precipitation affects plant growth and broader ecological dynamics. In this study, we examined these effects on Prosopis juliflora under three different rainfall treatments using rainout shelters: low rainfall (LR, 500 mm, 50% less than ambient), normal rainfall (NR, 1000 mm, representing average ambient rainfall), and high rainfall (HR, 1400 mm, 40% more than ambient). Each shelter was divided into three replicate plots (2 m x 2 m) in a randomized block design. P. juliflora seedlings (20 seedlings per subplot) were transplanted into each subplot within a 4m2 area, with a 0.5 m distance between each plant, and data were collected one year after plot establishment (2020). The physiological parameters measured included leaf traits, growth metrics such as biomass, height, diameter, photosynthetic rate, leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf carbon (LC), the leaf carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and the root-to-shoot ratio. These parameters showed significant positive responses to changes in precipitation i.e. increase with the increase in rainfall. However, water use efficiency (WUE), leaf nitrogen (LN), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and root length (RL) showed negative responses i.e. decrease with the increase in rainfall and were highest in the LR plots. Our findings suggest that the ecophysiology and functional traits of P. juliflora are strongly influenced by rainfall variability. The species exhibits considerable phenotypic plasticity, thriving in both drought and elevated precipitation conditions. This adaptability has important implications for its invasive potential and the overall functioning of ecosystems under shifting climatic conditions. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.
The soil response in experimental Leucaena leucocephala plots under manipulated rainfall regimes
(Springer, 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Prakash Rajak; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. Singh
Leucaena leucocephala, a prominent invasive woody plant in India, is constantly recognised for its capacity to invade in various ecosystems. The chances of invasion by L. leucocephala are increasing due to rainfall variability, to which the plant has already adapted. However, the understanding of L. leucocephala, particularly its response to soil attributes and alterations in nutrient cycling processes under varying rainfall conditions, is currently inadequate. In response to the perceived threat of rainfall shift and invasion impacting native plant species through soil modification, the study was designed to investigate the interplay between L. leucocephala invasion and simulated rainfall conditions. The experimental setup included three rainout shelter plots receiving different precipitation levels (low, normal, and high) and subplots within each plot dedicated to pure stands of L. leucocephala. The study findings reveal significant variations in soil inorganic nitrogen and N-mineralization based on precipitation levels and seasons, with the highest values observed in the high rainfall plot and during the rainy season. In contrast, microbial biomass (carbon and nitrogen) peaked in the low rainfall plot and during the summer season, indicating a contrasting trend. The implications of the study suggest that, in addition to variable rainfall, L. leucocephala may play a significant role in altering nutrient cycling, particularly nitrogen cycling. The plant enhances soil properties related to nitrogen availability, creating opportunities for multiple invasions and potentially leading to a chance of “Invasion Meltdown,” with a significant threat to native biodiversity. Overall, the research is emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics to formulate effective management strategies for preserving native ecosystems. © International Society for Tropical Ecology 2025.

2025

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