We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Mayaca fluviatilis Aubl.: an ornamental aquatic with invasive potential in Sri Lanka.
- Authors
Yakandawala, K.; Dissanayake, D. M. G. S.
- Abstract
The ornamental aquatic plant industry in Sri Lanka has grown substantially during the last decade and there is a renewed demand for several exotic species. Mayaca fluviatilis, a submerged plant used in aquaria, is not recorded as a naturally occurring plant in Sri Lanka. However, recent studies recorded it in the wet zone of Sri Lanka and certain countries have recognized it as a problematic plant. The knowledge of the mode of propagation of invasive species is vital in the management of biological invasions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the propagation ability of vegetative parts of M. fluviatilis. A field survey was conducted in the wet zone of Sri Lanka, and populations of M. fluviatilis were monitored between 2006 and 2009. The propagation ability of different maturity stages of stem cuttings (terminal, middle and basal) were investigated, and terminal stem cuttings with five different lengths (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm) were used to investigate the propagation ability of fragmented vegetative parts. Terminal shoots showed the highest survival rates and significantly high ( P < 0.05) shoot and root lengths compared to middle and basal parts of the stem cuttings. In the other experiment with terminal stem cuttings with different lengths, all the stem fragments were capable of developing into a new plant. Increasing lengths of fragments was significantly related to the number of roots. Nevertheless, as even the 2-cm fragment was capable of developing into a new plant, removal of even the smallest fragments is necessary to control this plant. Submerged plants can spread easily through fragmentation and manual removal will likely increase its spread. Nevertheless, it is considered as effective for small infestations. Therefore, repeated removal of plant parts can be suggested as an ecologically sound management approach to prevent further spread of M. fluviatilis since it is in the early stage of establishment.
- Subjects
SRI Lanka; ORNAMENTAL plant industry; AQUATIC plants; INTRODUCED plants; MAYACACEAE
- Publication
Hydrobiologia, 2010, Vol 656, Issue 1, p199
- ISSN
0018-8158
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10750-010-0429-y