Apparent competition and native consumers exacerbate the strong competitive effect of an exotic plant species. Issue 4 (1st April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orrock, John L.; Dutra, Humberto P.; Marquis, Robert J.; Barber, Nicholas
• Is Part Of: Ecology. Volume 96:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 1052
• Page End: 1061
• Publication Date: 2015-04-01
• Subjects: Amur honeysuckle -- apparent competition -- Busch Wildlife Conservation Area, Missouri, USA -- direct effects -- indirect effects -- invasive plants -- Lonicera maackii -- plant recruitment; Ecology -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Écologie -- Périodiques; Ecologie; Écologie; Écologie animale; Écologie végétale; Ecology; Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1890/14-0732.1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-9658

Abstract

Abstract : Direct and indirect effects can play a key role in invasions, but experiments evaluating both are rare. We examined the roles of direct competition and apparent competition by exotic Amur honeysuckle ( Lonicera maackii ) by manipulating (1) L. maackii vegetation, (2) presence of L. maackii fruits, and (3) access to plants by small mammals and deer. Direct competition with L. maackii reduced the abundance and richness of native and exotic species, and native consumers significantly reduced the abundance and richness of native species. Although effects of direct competition and consumption were more pervasive, richness of native plants was also reduced through apparent competition, as small‐mammal consumers reduced richness only when L. maackii fruits were present. Our experiment reveals the multiple, interactive pathways that affect the success and impact of an invasive exotic plant: exotic plants may directly benefit from reduced attack by native consumers, may directly exert strong competitive effects on native plants, and may also benefit from apparent competition.