9 June 2009, Dr. Sabine Güsewell, Switzerland

Dr. Sabine Güsewell, Switzerland

9 June, 2009, room C-147

Title: "Do invasive plants change European ecosystems?"









Short summary
Plant invasions are a global concern, especially because they have a tendency to change invaded ecosystems. Does this also hold true for European ecosystems? And what can be learned from regarding cause and consequence of invasive success?

Abstract
Plant invasions are a global concern, not only due to impacts on native biodiversity but also because of alterations to ecosystem properties and processes. Global comparative studies have indicated a tendency for invasive alien plants to have a faster-growing strategy than native plants (e.g. higher nutrient contents), and to increase nutrient availability or rates of nutrient cycling in the invaded ecosystems. We examined whether these general patterns also apply for the main terrestrial plant invaders in Central Europe. Contrary to expectation, there were very few differences between invasive and native species, and no consistent effects on soil properties. There was also no evidence for the evolution of a faster-growing strategy in invasive populations compared to native ones. Successful plant invaders in Europe appeared to be mainly characterized by the efficient use of scarce resources (low light or nutrients) and low herbivore pressure. Thus, invasive alien species in Europe partly deviate from global patterns. Possible causes and consequences will be discussed.

CV
Sabine Güsewell studied environmental sciences and did a PhD in plant ecology at ETH Zurich, followed by a postdoc in landscape ecology at Utrecht University. She currently works as lecturer in plant ecology and teaching coordinator at the Department of Environmental Sciences of ETH Zurich. Her main research topics have been the role of N:P ratios for wetland vegetation, effects of conservation management on biodiversity and nutrient availability, and the functional ecology of invasive plants.

Articles:
Article Ehrenfeld 2003
Article Leishman 2007
Sabine Güsewell 2006