Analyzing the interaction between native plants Ficus tikoua Bur. and invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides

Abstract

The interaction between native and invasive plant species is pivotal for elucidating invasion mechanisms and formulating effective control strategies. This study presents a comprehensive examination of the differences in photosynthetic and fluorescence parameters, gene expression profiles, and rhizosphere soil microbial composition between the native species Ficus tikoua Bur. and the invasive species Alternanthera philoxeroides. Notably, this research is the first to reveal that F. tikoua Bur. enhances its photoinhibition capacity while upregulating genes associated with carbon metabolism, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and plant-pathogen interactions, thereby sustaining its growth even in the presence of invasive competitors. Furthermore, F. tikoua Bur. actively recruits beneficial microorganisms, including Actinomarina (Bacteria), Nitrosotenuis (Archaea), and Laccaria (fungi), which play a crucial role in pathogen suppression. This microbial recruitment contributes to the preservation of soil Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and carbon cycling pathways, thereby bolstering the native species' resilience against invasion by A. philoxeroides. Collectively, these findings offer novel insights into the complex mechanisms underlying plant invasions and propose innovative strategies for managing invasive plant species. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms that confer the potential resistance of F. tikoua Bur. to plant invasions, which could enhance our understanding of ecological dynamics and inform conservation efforts.