Effects of Breeding on Reed Canarygrass Invasion
Author Information
Author(s): Jakubowski Andrew R., Casler Michael D., Jackson Randall D.
Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Hypothesis
Has selection for improved agronomic traits made reed canarygrass invasive?
Conclusion
Breeding efforts do not appear to be the primary reason for invasion by reed canarygrass.
Supporting Evidence
- Breeding efforts have had little effect on biomass production in upland environments.
- Cultivars were among the most productive populations in the environment for which they were selected.
- There were no significant differences in above- or below-ground production in wetland environments.
Takeaway
Scientists studied reed canarygrass to see if breeding made it invasive, and found that breeding didn't really change how invasive it is.
Methodology
The study involved common garden experiments comparing different populations of reed canarygrass in upland and wetland environments.
Limitations
The study was limited by the inability to maintain populations in simulated wetlands for realistic conditions over two seasons.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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