Confirmation of Candidature - Lantana Camara L. Soil Legacy Effects on Native Plant Growth and Symbiotic Soil Biota : Juanita Ryan

Lantana camara has become one of the most detrimental global invasive weeds affecting agricultural production and contributing to biodiversity decline.  This invasive plant was introduced into Australia in the early 19th century and is currently listed among 32 other plant species as a Weed of National significance (WONS) in Australia and a Queensland category 3 restricted plant under Biosecurity Act 2014. 

L. camara has been reported to have both above- and belowground effects on native plant communities by displacing native species, altering soil chemistry, and suppressing native species' seedlings.  Although L. camara impacts have been assessed globally, surprisingly little is known about its above- and belowground invasion effects in Australia, and specifically in Queensland.  To determine the effect of L. camara on soil microbial communities, collected soil from two sites will be used in a glasshouse experiment to test the effect of L. camara soil legacy on an Australian native tree Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon).  It is predicted that A. melanoxylon seedling establishment and growth will be better when grown in the away soil as compared to under L. camara.

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