ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF NATIVE AND INVASIVE FRESHWATER MACROPHYTES ON PHYTOPLANKTON AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES

Invasive freshwater plants impose extensive negative impacts on different biota. They usually form mono-specific stands that provide a less suitable habitat than mix stands, or may produce novel chemicals that can have deleterious and deterrent effects for native aquatic species. I tested the bioactivity of three invasive aquatic plants on different biota. My study demonstrated that several interrelated mechanisms used by invasive plants are responsible for the success of these species. For instance, the invasive plant, Cabomba caroliniana can use its novel biochemistry against competitors, but may use herbivory tolerance strategy instead of chemical defence when exposed to some herbivores.