Influence of Soil Disturbance and Fire on the Distribution of Caesar’s Weed (Urena Lobata) in Pine Flatwoods

Novel disturbances can increase the vulnerability of pine flatwoods to exotic
species such as Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), a plant that has invaded many ecosystems.
To understand Caesar’s weed response to disturbance, a factorial field manipulation was
used to quantify invasion success. Influence of feral swine (Sus scrofa) on the presence of
seeds in the area was analyzed. The effect of heat on Caesar’s weed germination was also
quantified. A winter fire and mechanical soil disturbance had no statistical effect on the
spread of Caesar’s weed. However, in feral swine disturbed soils Caesar’s weed was
more likely to be husked and experience less competition from seeds of other species.
Low levels of seed heating increased germination. This data can provide information
about the influences of fire and soil disturbances on the spread of Caesar’s weed, as well
as how fire intensity levels can affect the spread of invasive Caesar’s weed.