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Plant Invasions in New Zealand: Understanding Banksia and Acacia Problems

This article explores the issue of plant invasions in New Zealand, focusing on the emergence of Banksia and Acacia species. It discusses the genetics of plant invasions, factors causing plants to spread, and the importance of local adaptation. Case studies on Acacia pravissima and Banksia integrifolia are presented, highlighting their impact and distribution. The development of microsatellites for Banksia oblongifolia is also examined. Understanding these invasive species is crucial for conservation efforts.

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Plant Invasions in New Zealand: Understanding Banksia and Acacia Problems

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  1. Never trust Australians; are Banksia and Acacia becoming a problem in New Zealand? Gary Houliston, Peter Heenan Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand

  2. Lots of bad / unpleasant things come from Australia:

  3. Plant Invasions in New Zealand • 29000 introduced plant species in New Zealand • 700 new emerging weeds reported in the last 20 years (approx 1 every 10 days) • Border incursions are minor!

  4. Genetics of plant invasions • Plants usually undergo a “lag-phase” between introduction and invasion • What causes plants to emerge from the “lag-phase” • Local adaptation • Propagule pressure

  5. Two case studies: Acacia pravissima Banksia integrifolia

  6. “Coastal Banksia” • Popular nursery plant! • Australian Dryland / coastal species • Sampling across Australian / New Zealand Ranges

  7. Banksia integrifolia in NZ • Planted to stabilise sand dunes / ornamental • Naturalising in several regions • Fast growing, high seed output • Widespread coastal species in native range

  8. Microsatellites developed for Banksia oblongifolia • Five reliable markers • 2- 8 alleles per locus • Initial analysis for 98 individuals (27 from NZ, 71 from Aust)

  9. QLD N = 17 NZ N = 27 NSW, VIC N = 54

  10. Principle Co-ordinate Analysis • Pco 1 = NSW / Vict, 2 = NZ, 3 = QLD

  11. Why does it matter? • Variable populations are generally: • Healthier / more vigorous • Better able to resist control agents • More likely to match the local environment • Have full suite of reproductive types

  12. Acknowledgements • Landcare Research FRST Capability Fund • Linda Broadhurst / Andrew Young CSIRO • Melbourne University Herbarium

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