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Background  As a means of biologically controlling  Mikania micrantha  H.B.K. in Yunnan, China, the influence of sweet potato [ Ipomoea batatas  (L.) Lam.] on its reproductive characteristics was studied. The trial utilized a de Wit replacement series incorporating six ratios of sweet potato and  M. micrantha  plants in 25 m 2  plots over 2 years.    Results  Budding of  M. micrantha  occurred at the end of September; flowering and fruiting occurred from October to February. Flowering phenology of  M. micrantha  was delayed (P < 0.05), duration of flowering and fruiting was reduced (P < 0.05) and duration of bud formation was increased (P < 0.05) with increasing proportions of sweet potato. Reproductive allocation, reproductive investment and reproductive index of  M. micrantha  were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing sweet potato densities. Apidae bees, and Calliphoridae or Syrphidae flies were the most abundant visitors to  M. micrantha  flowers. Overall flower visits decreased (P < 0.05) as sweet potato increased. Thus the mechanism by which sweet potato suppressed sexual reproduction in  M. micrantha  was essentially two-fold: causing a delay in flowering phenology and reducing pollinator visits. The number, biomass, length, set rate, germination rate, and 1000-grain dry weight of  M. micrantha  seeds were suppressed (P < 0.05) by sweet potato competition. With proportional increases in sweet potato, sexual and asexual seedling populations of  M. micrantha  were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The mortality of both seedling types increased (P < 0.05) with proportional increases in sweet potato.    Conclusions  These results suggest that sweet potato significantly suppresses the reproductive ability of the invasive species  M. micrantha , and is a promising alternative to traditional biological control and other methods of control. Planting sweet potato in conjunction with other control methods could provide a comprehensive strategy for managing  M. micrantha . The scenario of controlling  M. micrantha  by utilizing a crop with a similar growth form may provide a useful model for similar management strategies in other systems.

Suppression of reproductive characteristics of the invasive plant Mikania micrantha by sweet potato competition