Opposing effects of plant growth regulators via clonal integration on apical and basal performance in alligator weed

Abstract Invasive plants are a major threat to biodiversity and may adversely affect food security. Clonal integration enables the sharing of resources between connected ramets can enhance plant performance in many invasive species. However, few studies have examined role clonal when weeds exposed growth regulators (PGRs). PGRs used extensively agriculture nearby through soil leaching, erosion runoff. Our aim was investigate effects on noxious weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed), response two frequently agriculture, gibberellins (GAs) paclobutrazol (PAC). Ramets A. were propagated greenhouse, treated with PGRs. applied older (i.e. ‘basal’ part), half having stems apical (younger) basal parts left connected, while remaining had severed. Following growing period, measured for traits. We found that GA PAC contrasting growth. significantly promoted above-ground via integration. Alternatively, inhibited parts, enhanced below-ground results highlight how promote following application PGRs, which is likely an important mechanism this species invade new environments.