Combining a weed traits database with a population dynamics model predicts shifts in weed communities

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Storkey, J., Holst, N., Bojer, O. Q., Bigongiali, F., Bocci, G., Colbach, N., Dorner, Z., Riemens, M. M., Sartorato, I., Sonderskov, M. and Verschwele, A. 2015. Combining a weed traits database with a population dynamics model predicts shifts in weed communities. Weed Research. 55 (2), pp. 206-218. https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12126

AuthorsStorkey, J., Holst, N., Bojer, O. Q., Bigongiali, F., Bocci, G., Colbach, N., Dorner, Z., Riemens, M. M., Sartorato, I., Sonderskov, M. and Verschwele, A.
Abstract

A functional approach to predicting shifts in weed floras in response to management or environmental change requires the combination of data on weed traits with analytical frameworks that capture the filtering effect of selection pressures on traits. A weed traits database (WTDB) was designed, populated and analysed, initially using data for 19 common European weeds, to begin to consolidate trait data in a single repository. The initial choice of traits was driven by the requirements of empirical models of weed population dynamics to identify correlations between traits and model parameters. These relationships were used to build a generic model, operating at the level of functional traits, to simulate the impact of increasing herbicide and fertiliser use on virtual weeds along gradients of seed weight and maximum height. The model generated fitness contours' (defined as population growth rates) within this trait space in different scenarios, onto which two sets of weed species, defined as common or declining in the UK, were mapped. The effect of increasing inputs on the weed flora was successfully simulated; 77% of common species were predicted to have stable or increasing populations under high fertiliser and herbicide use, in contrast with only 29% of the species that have declined. Future development of the WTDB will aim to increase the number of species covered, incorporate a wider range of traits and analyse intraspecific variability under contrasting management and environments.

KeywordsAgronomy; Plant Sciences
Year of Publication2015
JournalWeed Research
Journal citation55 (2), pp. 206-218
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12126
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
European Commission - EC
Funder project or codeDelivering Sustainable Systems (SS) [ISPG]
European Network for the Durable Exploitation of crop protection strategies ENDURE
Quantifying Sustainable Systems
ISSN00431737
PublisherWiley
Grant ID031499

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