Physiological and biochemical plasticity as a driver of invasiveness in Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston

Purpose This study explores the physiological and biochemical plasticity of Syzygium jambos , an invasive tree species native to Tropical Asia, under contrasting light intensities, fertilization regimes, and water availability. The aim is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its ecological success and to address how these mechanisms may inform strategies for managing invasive plants under changing climate scenarios. Methods A factorial experiment was conducted using seedlings grown in two substrates – control (soil and sand), and organic amendment (aged bovine manure) – and exposed them to three light environments: very low radiation (VLR), low radiation (LR), and high radiation (HR). Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Physiological assessments included gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, antioxidant enzyme activities, osmotic stress markers, and foliar nutrient profiling. Results Plants under HR exhibited elevated protein content and lipid peroxidation levels, alongside reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities. Organic fertilization enhanced nutrient availability and modulated stress responses. Despite reduced photosynthetic rates under HR, S. jambos maintained photochemical efficiency and water-use balance, with rapid recovery following drought stress. Nutrient analyses revealed significant differences between control and fertilized plants, with fertilized seedlings showing elevated levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Conclusion These findings reveal that S. jambos possesses high ecophysiological plasticity, enabling it to adapt to heterogeneous tropical environments and recover from abiotic stress. Such versatility likely contributes to its invasive potential and ecological dominance. By linking functional traits to invasion success, this study provides a predictive framework for managing exotic species and assessing their impact under climate variability.