Microbiology

摘要

Studies in the last decade have shown that invasive plants have a large potential to alter foreign territories to improve conditions for invasive growth. Here, we have considered the potential of an invasive shrub, Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive), to influence microbial communities in the soil. Microcosms were established in the laboratory, containing soils from three autumn olive invaded and non-invaded areas in a forest edge site and forested wetland site. Each soil received either an amendment of water or extract prepared from autumn olive leaves. To assess impacts on microbial community function enzymatic assays were performed for acid and alkaline phosphatase, P-glucosidase, I~2 -N-acetylglucosaminidase, glycine aminopeptidase, and phenol oxidase, and peroxidase activities. Changes in the enzymatic expression in the microcosms indicate that chemicals in the foliage of autumn olive are impacting the function of soil microbial communities. Autumn olive extract appeared to stimulate microbial function, more so in invaded soils. This suggests that invaded soils may be conditioned to respond to the presence of Autumn Olive by an increase in enzymatic activity.