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<p>The Leguminosae family is among the largest plant families worldwide and constitutes a significant component of urban vegetation. During our observations, we noted a spontaneous displacement of <i>Trifolium resupinatum</i> by <i>Medicago lupulina</i> populations within urban habitats. To investigate this phenomenon, a six-year study was conducted across two time intervals: 2017–2019 and 2021–2023. The study assessed the population cover of both species in urban settings, with concurrent monitoring of climatic conditions during these periods. Key biological variables—such as seed size, germination timing, germination percentage, and seedling length—were measured for both species. Furthermore, selected functional traits were evaluated in situ within urban populations, and a controlled competition experiment at varying plant densities was performed to determine the competitive capabilities of each species. <i>Medicago lupulina</i> exhibited significantly higher germination rates during the early winter (October–November), under relatively warm conditions—coinciding with the germination onset of winter annuals. Under field conditions, <i>M. lupulina</i> also developed taller, upright shoots and produced more inflorescences and seeds than <i>T. resupinatum</i>. Additionally, soils beneath <i>T. resupinatum</i> populations were richer in available nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P). In greenhouse trials, <i>M. lupulina</i> demonstrated superior growth performance in monoculture and mixed plantings at equal densities. Notably, at higher planting densities, the emergence of <i>T. resupinatum</i> was entirely suppressed. These findings suggest that the timing of germination, influenced by specific climatic conditions, is a critical factor in the successful establishment of weed species. The greater competitive ability of <i>M. lupulina</i> may allow it to progressively replace <i>T</i>. <i>resupinatum</i> in urban vegetation.</p>

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Functional traits and climate variability drive the competitive displacement of Trifolium resupinatum by Medicago lupulina in an arid urban ecosystem

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月1日

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  • Mahmoud O. Hassan,
  • Amr Elkelish,
  • Sulaiman A. Alsalamah,
  • Maha H. Khalaf,
  • Esraa Genidy,
  • Amany H. A. Abeed

摘要

The Leguminosae family is among the largest plant families worldwide and constitutes a significant component of urban vegetation. During our observations, we noted a spontaneous displacement of Trifolium resupinatum by Medicago lupulina populations within urban habitats. To investigate this phenomenon, a six-year study was conducted across two time intervals: 2017–2019 and 2021–2023. The study assessed the population cover of both species in urban settings, with concurrent monitoring of climatic conditions during these periods. Key biological variables—such as seed size, germination timing, germination percentage, and seedling length—were measured for both species. Furthermore, selected functional traits were evaluated in situ within urban populations, and a controlled competition experiment at varying plant densities was performed to determine the competitive capabilities of each species. Medicago lupulina exhibited significantly higher germination rates during the early winter (October–November), under relatively warm conditions—coinciding with the germination onset of winter annuals. Under field conditions, M. lupulina also developed taller, upright shoots and produced more inflorescences and seeds than T. resupinatum. Additionally, soils beneath T. resupinatum populations were richer in available nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P). In greenhouse trials, M. lupulina demonstrated superior growth performance in monoculture and mixed plantings at equal densities. Notably, at higher planting densities, the emergence of T. resupinatum was entirely suppressed. These findings suggest that the timing of germination, influenced by specific climatic conditions, is a critical factor in the successful establishment of weed species. The greater competitive ability of M. lupulina may allow it to progressively replace T. resupinatum in urban vegetation.