Latest findings on the biology of Verbesina encelioides in Morocco
Verbesina encelioides (Asteraceae, EPPO Alert List) has recently been introduced into Morocco where it has spread throughout the region of Agadir. Research has been carried out to better understand its biology under Moroccan conditions. Regarding its growth and development, V. encelioides completes its life cycle (from emergence to the maturity of first akenes) in 80 days. Seed production was abundant and continuous. The akenes of V. encelioides are able to germinate within a temperature range of 8°C to 35°C (optimum 15-25°C). The maximum emergence was recorded when seeds were buried in the soil at a depth of 1.5 cm (followed by 0, 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm). Below 7 cm burial depth, no emergence occurred.
Sources
Taleb A, Bouhache M ; El Mfadi B (2011) New species threatening the biodiversity in Morocco: Verbesina encelioides (Asteraceae). Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop on Invasive Plants in the Mediterranean Type Regions of the World, 2010-08-02/06, Trabzon, Turkey, pp. 156-167.