Biological Invasions (2017) 19, 625-634

Neil E. Coughlan, Thomas C. Kelly and Marcel A.K. Jansen (2017)
"Step by step": high frequency short-distance epizoochorous dispersal of aquatic macrophytes
Biological Invasions 19 (2), 625-634
Abstract: Aquatic macrophytes can successfully colonise and re-colonise areas separated by space and time. The mechanisms underlying such "mobility" are not well understood, but it has often been hypothesised that epizoochory (external dispersal) plays an important role. Yet, there is only limited, and mostly anecdotal, evidence concerning successful epizoochorous dispersal of aquatic macrophytes, particularly in the case of short-distance dispersal. Here we examine in situ and ex situ dispersal of aquatic macrophytes, including three invasive alien species. A high frequency of Lemna minor Linnaeus dispersal was observed in situ, and this was linked to bird-mediated epizoochory. We concluded that wind had no effect on dispersal. Similarly, in an ex situ examination Lemna minuta Kunth and Azolla filiculoides Lamarck, were found to be dispersed with a high frequency by mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). No dispersal was measured for Elodea nuttallii (Planchon) H. St. John. It is concluded that short-distance or "stepping-stone" dispersal via bird-mediated epizoochory can occur with high frequencies, and therefore can play an important role in facilitating colonisation, range expansion and biological invasion of macrophytes.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: English)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Azolla filiculoides (weed)
	Lemna minor (weed)
	Elodea nuttallii (weed)
	Lemna minuta (weed)