EVALUATION OF MECHANICAL REGULATION OF INVASIVE HELIANTHUS TUBEROSUS POPULATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE

Abstract

In our research the effect of cutting of H. tuberosus stands have been studied by comparison of both mown (2-4 times) and not mown populations during four years. The repeated mowings reduced the number and viability of ramets (during the growing season the decrease of shoots on not-mown plots was not as rapid as on mown plots). On mown plots there was a higher initiate density in spring in comparison with the not mown populations (the high number of shoots could be induced by the stress generated by cutting during the previous year). During our research no generative organs have been observed on mown plants. Changes in species composition have been also studied. We were not able to confirm the high effectiveness of mechanical control of H. tuberosus, however we observed highly effective mowings in natural (not experimental) conditions.

Keywords

• agricultural landscape
• helianthus tuberosus
• invasive plants
• mechanical regulation