Seed bank longevity and age to reproductive maturity of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton in the dry tropics of northern Queensland
Faiz F. Bebawi A C , Shane D. Campbell A and Robert J. Mayer B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Tropical Weeds Research Centre, PO Box 187, Charters Towers, Qld 4820, Australia.
B Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Maroochy Research Station, 47 Mayers Road, Nambour, Qld 4560, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: Faiz.Bebawi@daf.qld.gov.au
The Rangeland Journal 37(3) 239-247 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ14130
Submitted: 11 December 2014 Accepted: 18 March 2015 Published: 14 April 2015
Abstract
Understanding the reproductive biology of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, an invasive weed of northern Australia, is critical for development of effective management strategies. Two experiments are reported on. In Experiment 1 seed longevity of C. procera seeds, exposed to different soil type (clay and river loam), pasture cover (present and absent) and burial depth (0, 2.5, 10 and 20 cm) treatments were examined. In Experiment 2 time to reach reproductive maturity was studied. The latter experiment included its sister species, C. gigantea (L.) W.T. Aiton, for comparison and two separate seed lots were tested in 2009 and 2012 to determine if exposure to different environmental conditions would influence persistence. Both seed lots demonstrated a rapid decline in viability over the first 3 months and declined to zero between 15 and 24 months after burial. In Experiment 1, longevity appeared to be most influenced by rainfall patterns and associated soil moisture, burial depth and soil type, but not the level of pasture cover. Experiment 2 showed that both C. procera and C. gigantea plants could flower once they had reached an average height of 85 cm. However, they differed significantly in terms of basal diameter at first flowering with C. gigantea significantly smaller (31 mm) than C. procera (45 mm). On average, C. gigantea flowered earlier (125 days vs 190 days) and set seed earlier (359 days vs 412 days) than C. procera. These results suggest that, under similar conditions to those that prevailed in the present studies, land managers could potentially achieve effective control of patches of C. procera in 2 years if they are able to kill all original plants and treat seedling regrowth frequently enough to prevent it reaching reproductive maturity. This suggested control strategy is based on the proviso that replenishment of the seed bank is not occurring from external sources (e.g. wind and water dispersal).
Additional keywords: calotrope, giant rubber bush, reproductive maturity, rubber bush, seed persistence, seed viability.
References
Ali, S. I. (1980). The subspecies of Calotropis procera. Notes of The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh 38, 287–290.Ali, T., and Ali, S. I. (1989). Pollination biology of Calotropis procera subsp. hamiltonii (Asclepiadaceae). Phyton 29, 175–188.
Amritphale, D., Gupta, J. C., and Iyengar, S. (1984). Germination polymorphism in sympatric populations of Calotropis procera. Oikos 42, 220–224.
| Germination polymorphism in sympatric populations of Calotropis procera.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Baskin, C. C., and Baskin, J. M. (2001). Some procedures for dormancy break and germination of difficult seeds. In: ‘Native Plant Propagation and Restoration Strategies’. Oregon State University Nursery Technology Cooperative and Western Forestry and Conservation Association, 12–13 Dec. 2001. (Eds D. L. Haase and R. Rose.) pp. 29–34. (Oregon State University: Eugene, OR.)
Bebawi, F. F., Campbell, S. D., and Mayer, R. J. (2012). Persistence of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia L.) soil seed banks. The Rangeland Journal 34, 429–438.
| Persistence of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia L.) soil seed banks.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bekker, R. M., Bakker, J. P., Grandin, U., Kalamees, R., Milberg, P., Poschlod, P., Thompson, K., and Eillems, J. H. (1998). Seed size, shape, and vertical distribution in the soil: indicators of seed longevity. Functional Ecology 12, 834–842.
| Seed size, shape, and vertical distribution in the soil: indicators of seed longevity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Benvenuti, S., Macchia, M., and Miele, S. (2001). Light, temperature and burial depth effects on Rumex obtusifolius seed germination and emergence. Weed Research 41, 177–186.
| Light, temperature and burial depth effects on Rumex obtusifolius seed germination and emergence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
BOM (2012). Mean annual rainfall and maximum daily temperature ranges. Available at: www.bom.gov.au (accessed 22 October 2012).
Brandao, M. (1995). Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.: a problem pasture invader in Minas Gerais. Daphne. Revista do Herbário PAMG da EPAMIG 5, 68–71.
Campbell, S., Roden, L., and Crowley, C. (2013). Calotrope (Calotropis procera): a weed on the move in northern Queensland. In: ‘Weeds – Everyone’s Business. Proceedings of the 12th Queensland Symposium’. (Eds M. O’Brien, J. Vitelli and D. Thornby.) pp. 11–14. (The Weed Society of Queensland: Brisbane, Qld.)
Chambers, J. C., and MacMahon, J. A. (1994). A day in the life of a seed: movements and fates of seeds and their implications for natural and managed systems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 25, 263–292.
| A day in the life of a seed: movements and fates of seeds and their implications for natural and managed systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Chippendale, G. M., and Murray, L. R. (1963). ‘Poisonous Plants of the Northern Territory.’ Northern Territory Administration Animal Industry Branch Extension Article No. 2. pp. 85–88. (Northern Territory Administration: Darwin, NT.)
Crothers, M., and Newbound, S. (1998). ‘Rubber Bush.’ Agnote F64. (Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries: Darwin, NT.)
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (2013). Calotrope distribution 2011/12. Available at: www.daff.qld.gov.au/data/assets/pdf_file/0020/77303/IPA-Calotrope-PP41.pdf (accessed 23 January 2015).
Discover Nature at JCU (2013). NQ Weeds by scientific name. Available at: www.jcu.edu.au (accessed 15 August 2013).
Dodd, J., and Randall, R. P. (2002). Eradication of kochia (Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J.Scott, Chenopodiaceae) in Western Australia. In: ‘Proceedings 13th Australian Weeds Conference’. (Eds H. Spafford Jacob, J. Dodd and J. H. Moore.) pp. 300–303. (Plant Protection Society of Western Australia: Perth, WA.)
Dunlop, C. R. (1987). ‘Checklist of Vascular Plants of the Northern Territory.’ (Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory: Darwin, NT.)
Eisikowitch, D. (1986). Morpho-ecological aspects of the pollination of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) in Israel. Plant Systematics and Evolution 152, 185–194.
| Morpho-ecological aspects of the pollination of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) in Israel.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Everist, S. L. (1974). ‘Poisonous Plants of Australia.’ (Angus and Robertson: London, UK.)
Forster, P. I. (1992). A taxonomic account of the genus Calotropis R.Br. (Ascalepiadaceae) in Australia. Nuytsia 8, 201–208.
Francis, J. K. (2002). Calotropis procera, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Available at: www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Calotropis%20procera.pdf (accessed 15 August 2013).
Gardner, C. A., and Bennetts, H. W. (1956). ‘Toxic Plants of Western Australia.’ pp. 153–156. (West Australian Newspapers, Periodical Division: Perth, WA.)
Grace, B. S. (2006). The biology of Australian weeds 45. Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.Aiton. Plant Protection Quarterly 21, 152–160.
Hall, N. H. (1967). ‘Noxious weeds: Rubber Bush.’ Primary Industries Branch, Northern Territory Administration, Pamphlet No. 13. (Northern Territory Government: Darwin, NT.)
Harrison, S. K., Regnier, E. E., Schmoll, J. T., and Harrison, J. M. (2007). Seed size and burial effects on giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) emergence and seed demise. Weed Science 55, 16–22.
| Seed size and burial effects on giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) emergence and seed demise.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXhsVWgsLY%3D&md5=0d8033b6d066f9f64da74f107a9082a5CAS |
Holm, L., Doll, J., Holm, E., Pancho, J., and Herberger, J. (1979). ‘A Geographical Atlas of World Weeds.’ (John Wiley & Sons: New York.)
Kleinschmidt, H., and Johnson, R. W. (1977). ‘Weeds of Queensland.’ (Government Printer: Brisbane, Qld.)
Labouriau, L. G., and Valadares, M. E. B. (1976). On the germination of seeds of Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait.f. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 48, 236–284.
Leal, L. C., Meiado, M. V., Lopes, A. V., and Leal, I. R. (2013). Germination responses of the invasive Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. (Apocynaceae): comparisons with seeds from two ecosystems in north-eastern Brazil. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 85, 1025–1034.
| Germination responses of the invasive Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. (Apocynaceae): comparisons with seeds from two ecosystems in north-eastern Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24068090PubMed |
Long, R. L., Panetta, F. D., Steadman, K. J., Probert, R., Bekker, R. M., Brooks, S., and Adkins, S. W. (2008). Seed persistence in the field may be predicted by laboratory-controlled aging. Weed Science 56, 523–528.
| Seed persistence in the field may be predicted by laboratory-controlled aging.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXotlKit7c%3D&md5=8d98ba031cac2c68947f3d26b5876b73CAS |
Martin, C. C. (1996). Weed control in tropical ley farming systems: a review. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 36, 1013–1023.
| Weed control in tropical ley farming systems: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Miller, I. L. (2003). ‘Declared Weeds of the Northern Territory.’ Information Sheet 7. (Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development: Darwin, NT.)
Milson, J. (2000). ‘Trees and Shrubs of North-West Queensland.’ (Department of Natural Resources: Brisbane, Qld.)
Moore, R. P. (1985). ‘Handbook on Tetrazolium Testing.’ (International Seed Testing Association: Zurich, Switzerland.)
Morse, D. H. (1981). Modification of bumble bee foraging: the effect of milkweed pollinia. Ecology 62, 89–97.
| Modification of bumble bee foraging: the effect of milkweed pollinia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ooi, M. K. J., Auld, T. D., and Denham, A. J. (2009). Climate change and bet-hedging: interactions between increased soil temperatures and seed bank persistence. Global Change Biology 15, 2375–2386.
| Climate change and bet-hedging: interactions between increased soil temperatures and seed bank persistence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Panetta, F. D. (2001). Seedling emergence and seed longevity of the tree weeds Celtis sinensis and Cinnamomum camphora. Weed Research 41, 83–95.
| Seedling emergence and seed longevity of the tree weeds Celtis sinensis and Cinnamomum camphora.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Parsons, W. T., and Cuthbertson, E. G. (2001). ‘Noxious Weeds of Australia.’ 2nd edn. (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)
Rahman, M. A., and Wilcock, C. C. (1991). A taxonomic revision of Calotropis (Ascelepiadaceae). Nordic Journal of Botany 11, 301–308.
| A taxonomic revision of Calotropis (Ascelepiadaceae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ramakrishna, T. M., and Arekal, G. D. (1979). Pollination biology of Calotropis gigantea. Current Science 48, 212–213.
Sharma, A. K., Kharb, R., and Kaur, R. (2011). Pharmacognostical aspects of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences 2, 480–488.
Smith, N. M. (2011). ‘Weeds of Northern Australia – A Field Guide.’ (Environment Centre NT Inc.: Darwin, NT.)
Staples, G. W., and Herbst, D. R. (2005). ‘A Tropical Garden Flora. Plants Cultivated in the Hawaiian Islands and Other Tropical Places.’ (Bishop Museum Press: Honolulu, HI.)
Thompson, K., Bakker, J. P., and Bekker, R. M. (1997). ‘Soil Seed Banks of NW Europe: Methodology, Density and Longevity.’ (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK.)
Vitelli, J., Madigan, B., Wilkinson, P., and van Haaren, P. (2008). Calotrope (Calotropis procera) control. The Rangeland Journal 30, 339–348.
| Calotrope (Calotropis procera) control.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Vivian-Smith, G., and Panetta, F. D. (2009). Lantana (Lantana camara) seed bank dynamics: seedling emergence and seed survival. Invasive Plant Science Management 2, 141–150.
| Lantana (Lantana camara) seed bank dynamics: seedling emergence and seed survival.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wanntorp, H. E. (1974). Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae) and Xylocopa tenuiscapa (Hymenoptera, Apidae): studies in flower morphology and pollination biology. Svensk Botanisk Tidskrift 68, 25–32.
Weber, E. (2003). ‘Invasive Plant Species of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds.’ (CABI Publishing: Wallingford, UK.)
