Replacement control of Mikania micrantha in orchards and its eco-physiological mechanism

Mikania micrantha is one of the most notorious invasive weeds in south China, especially orchard habitats. Based on principle niche competition, screening plants with strong competitiveness and managing vacant niches through natural alternative methods (replacement control) were expected to achieve sustainable ecological management species. To this end, two legumes, Desmodium heterocarpon Senna tora , selected conduct field competition experiments M. investigate interspecific these legumes from aspects adaptability low light response drought stress. We found that relative interaction indexes D. S. both negative competitive inhibition was higher than . Compared have photosynthetic efficiency lower dark respiration under low-light conditions, thus maintaining positive plant carbon balance capacity understory becoming more shade-tolerant. Besides, water stress experiment had lowest tolerance stress, followed by tolerant. These results showed can effectively prevent control mainly due their competitiveness, shade tolerance, tolerance. The effect better which an alien Therefore, we believed replacement weed be a strategy for biocontrol dryland habitat. findings provide theoretical basis selection species future new ideas solving problem repeated regeneration existing process.