Ecology of invasive Hedychium coronarium J. Köenig (Zingiberaceae)

Abstract

Macrophytes have characteristics that allow them to quickly spread, growth and reproduction, even in sub-optimal conditions, thereby giving them invasive potential and compromising biodiversity and ecosystem processes in aquatic environments. In Brazil, there is the Hedychium coronarium, considered weed because of its rapid growth and spread, invading areas of native vegetation and forming dense populations, decrying the environmental quality. The aim of this project is evaluate the life cycle of Hedychium coronarium, since the beginning, until the decomposition, as well as their effects in different invaded ecosystem matrices. It will be conducted the environmental characterization and population dynamics for 2 years, reproductive strategies, potential invasion and competition in plant communities, senescence, and decomposition of ramets and it's contribution to the ecosystem. The population ecology of H. coronarium will be evaluated by life tables and matrix models. In the manipulation of the plant community, through a randomized block experimental design (split-plot design), will be applied multifactorial ANOVA with functional groups. Kinetic models will be adapted to senescence and intake debris from decomposition. (AU)