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International Publication Award Recipients

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Growth response of thunbergia grandiflora (Roxb ex Rottler) Roxb (Skyflower) on shading and anatomical characteristics under various soil series
Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb. (Acanthaceae) or “skyflower” is an exotic species that was reported to be aggressively spreading out of control in the tropical and subtropical ecosystems. This study assessed the invasive characteristics of the species by analyzing its growth characteristics on varying shading intensity and soil series, as well as anatomical characteristics in varying soil series. Therefore, anatomical structures of this species suggest its ability as an invasive species. Consequently, the invasive characteristics can be suppressed by controlling the shade and soil conditions during the wildling stage of the species. The species can be bioinvasive and the extent may depend on the prevailing conditions in the site. However, further researches on the species’ root physiological and anatomical responses to other biotic and abiotic factors in the environment are recommended. Also, knowing the invasiveness of T. grandiflora will help us identify possible strategies to limit the spread of the species, including early detection of the occurrence of species, avoiding disturbance in the area, and identifying species as biocontrol.
Authors:
Micah Marie F. Galapon, Marilyn O. Quimado, Crusty E. Tinio, and Marilyn S. Combalicer
Published in:
Philippine Journal of Science, 2020, Volume 149, Issue No. 3-a
doi:
n/a
Date awarded:
May 2021

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