Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Role Of Water And Other Resources In The Invasion Of Rubus Armeniacus In Pacific Northwest Ecosystems, Joshua Sundance Caplan

Dissertations and Theses

The factors influencing the invasive success of Rubus armeniacus (Himalayan blackberry) in the Pacific Northwest of North America are only partly understood, but have important implications for its management and for our understanding of the processes driving invasive plant proliferation in regions with seasonally fluctuating resources. I identified patterns of R. armeniacus occurrence and growth under widely ranging soil and light conditions in western Oregon. I found that light availability was a primary determinant of R. armeniacus occurrence and growth. I also found that R. armeniacus was tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, notably coarse texture, and could …