Influence of the population spatial structure on seed rain distribution of an invasive plant under harsh environment

Abstract Distribution of seeds an invasive species is important for the spread invasion and any directed eradication action. This distribution driven by seed rain. We studied influence tussocks on spatial pattern rain resulting population Antarctic Poa annua L. population. Our hypothesis was that trap wind-dispersed seeds. set 40 artificial grass traps simulating soil (control) in area occupied The were exposed a total 3 years exchanged periodically. assessed bank extracted installation our control traps. Seed number determined germination method. did not find significant difference between types regarding trapped containing seeds, however trapping events greater average size 13.5 m −2 year −1 216 . estimated accumulation required around 16 years. Artificial discs may be more efficient than bare accumulating therefore structure only through local deposition, but also intercepting dispersed wind. research further supports, removal from underneath most method P. Antarctica.