Universidad De Sevilla

Ecophysiological and Biochemical Responses of Native and Alien Cordgrasses to Sea Level Rise With Climate Change - to Assess Ecophysiological and Biochemical Mechanisms Influencing the Ecology, Growth and Spread of Invasive Cordgrasses (spartina SPP.) and Yellow Flag Iris (iris Pseudacorus) Within the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta - San Francisco Estuary, Other Impacted Estuarine Watersheds With Sea Level Rise. the Specific Objective Is to Evaluate Potential Ecophysiological and Biochemical Mechanisms Underlying Differential Tolerances of Native and Exotic Cordgrass Congeners and Exotic Iris to Interactive Stresses Imposed by Predicted Increases in Salinity and Inundation Regimes in Freshwater to Saline Tidal Ecosystems. This Research Will Contribute to an Overall Evaluation of the Capacity of the Invasive Plant Species, Naturalized Populations, and Native - Exotic Hybrids to Maintain Fitness and Spread in Response to Climate Change. Improved Understanding of Response Thresholds of Both Aggressive Invasive and Native Plant Species Is Needed for Invasive Species Risk Assessments, and Development of Science-based Weed Management and Ecological Restoration Strategies in the Context of Sea Level Rise.