Predicting effects of invasion processes of Eurasian floodplain willows in Patagonia

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Ilona Leyer
• Co-Applicant: Dr. Leonardo Ariel Gallo
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: from 2008 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 96868098

In recent years the natural spread of Eurasian willows in Patagonian river systems has dramatically increased in significance. It can be assumed that the native Salix humboldtiana is affected by the dominance of invasive Salix trees or shrubs through changed abiotic conditions and competition processes. Furthermore, hybridization processes have to be taken into account when analysing the impacts of Salix invasions. The study of the interaction processes between native and non-native willow species in Patagonia including studies on recruitment-habitat interactions, competition as well as genetic and evolutionary processes provide an exceptional opportunity for basic research in the field of invasion processes as well as in the population biology and short term evolution of woody pioneer species. Our aim is to provide insights into the ecological processes behind native and non-native Salix recruitment and vegetation patterns, to predict the further process of Salix invasions at rivers and river stretches in Patagonia and its impact on Salix humboldtiana populations by habitat modelling, to assess the threat to Salix humboldtiana by fragmentation and introgression and to evaluate the spatial organisation of genetic diversity of invaded Salix x rubens and S. fragilis. The results will provide a basis for regional and national willow management in Patagonia.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Argentina
• Participating Person: Professorin Dr. Birgit Ziegenhagen