The role of shoot system architecture in the invasive success of Aegilops cylindrica Host. across different habitat types

Aegilops cylindrica Host. is an annual grass (Poaceae) and an allotetraploid (2n = 28, DDCC genomes) with high invasive potential. The stages of invasion (introduction, colonization, and naturalization) are influenced by the biomorphological characteristics of the plant’s shoot system; the variability of these traits is likely explained by phenotypic plasticity and heterospermy. Field studies revealed variation in the shoot system of the species: erect, sparsely tillered shoots predominate on ruderal substrates, whereas geniculate, highly tillered shoots are more common in agrocenoses and along roadsides. These morphotypes presumably correspond to spring-monocyclic and winter-dicyclic developmental strategies, enabling the species to successfully colonize three categories of habitats: anthropogenic (ruderal, segetal, and pasture sites, as well as urban infrastructure), semi-natural, and natural (steppe plant communities). The species’ association with road infrastructure facilitates its further spread into adjacent agrophytocenoses and natural communities, thereby enhancing the invasive potential of Aegilops cylindrica.

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