Population dynamics of the species Plantago major L. and Poa annua L. in a replacement series experiment

• Main Authors: Mijović A., Stavretović N., Popović Zorica
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Belgrade, University of Novi Sad 2009-01-01
• Series: Archives of Biological Sciences
• Subjects: Density-dependent response; Plantago major; Poa annua; replacement series experiment; ruderal vegetation
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0354-4664/2009/0354-46640904819M.pdf

Population dynamics of the species Plantago major L. and Poa annua L., typical representatives of ruderal vegetation, was analyzed in a replacement series experiment. The analyzed species were sown in an area with meadow vegetation, where the vegetation present had been previously removed by a total herbicide and additionally by hoeing. The objective of the experiment was to monitor growth dynamics and the effect of intra- and inter-specific interaction of the species Plantago major and Poa annua in conditions of different sowing densities and proportions. The effects of intra- and inter-specific interference and the density-dependent responses were assessed on the basis of several parameters (natality, mortality, age structure, and measures of ontogenetic changes). Based on the study results, it can be concluded that the responses of the species in the experiment were different, which is explained by different adaptive mechanisms, i.e., strategies, in the specific environmental conditions. An effect of the density dependent response was present in both species in the replacement series experiment. The response was amplified by water deficit caused by intensive evapora­tion of the bare soil. No effect of inter-specific interference was observed at the given densities of the study species on the sample plots. An effect of intra-specific interference of the species Plantago major and Poa annua was observed in the guise of a density-negative response of the rate of ontogenetic changes and fecundity.