Blowing in the wind: Anemochory in blackbrush habitat of South Texas

Plant Ecology
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

Wind dispersal has the potential to carry seeds long-distances and could inform the management and restoration of natural vegetation along the U.S.-Mexico Border. Plant species with the potential to disperse seeds in arid landscapes fragmented by border barrier infrastructure include foundational native, invasive, and federally endangered plant species. Wind dispersal traps constructed of cloth were set facing into the prevailing wind direction (SE) to characterize the role of wind in transporting soil particles, pebbles, plant debris, and seeds in blackbrush habitat during maximum events of wind speed (km per hour), and precipitation (cm). Shrubs, native grasses, the invasive Pennisetum ciliare (buffelgrass), soil particles, and pebbles dispersed in the wind, especially during maximum wind and/or precipitation events. Natural blackbrush areas supported the wind dispersal of twelve native species including grasses and woody shrubs. Sites disturbed by border infrastructure (barrier, roads, waterways) had higher seed numbers of invasive species such as P. ciliare captured in the wind traps. While modifications in passages through waterways and other structures have been proposed to improve the movement of organisms influenced by the barrier, the restoration of native plant species in damaged areas might further aid in the maintenance of blackbrush ecosystems by reducing invasive plant species dispersal into natural habitats.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Blowing in the wind: Anemochory in blackbrush habitat of South Texas
Series title Plant Ecology
DOI 10.1007/s11258-025-01527-9
Volume 226
Publication Date July 22, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 8 p.
First page 1057
Last page 1064
Country United States
State Texas
Other Geospatial Arroyo Morteros, Arroyo Ramirez, Cuellar tract, Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Additional publication details