Jennifer L. Funk

Next, a look at invasive weeds.

UC Davis ecologists Justin Valliere and Jennifer Funk reviewed how invasive plants combine traits that usually compete.

Yellow star thistle, a California cattle rangeland weed, spreads effectively while producing relatively large seeds that help seedlings compete.

Their framework could inform restoration research, but is not a tested management prescription.

Jessica, next is research on why some invasive weeds are so successful.

UC Davis plant ecologists Justin Valliere and Jennifer Funk propose looking at combinations of plant traits to better understand invasive weeds.

UC ANR described their paper October 16.

Published in Trends in Ecology and Evolution, the work reviews existing studies and presents a framework for understanding plants that seem to escape familiar biological trade-offs.

Jessica, let's start with the weed research and what it could mean for restoring invaded land.

Liam, UC Davis plant ecologists Justin Valliere and Jennifer Funk propose looking at combinations of plant traits, rather than individual strengths, to better understand invasive weeds.

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources described their work on October 16th.

Their paper, published in Trends in Ecology and Evolution, reviews existing studies and offers a framework for understanding how some invaders avoid familiar biological trade-offs.