| Summary: | Nitrogen (N) is one of the most crucial elements for plant growth. However, a deficiency of N affects plant growth and development. <i>Wedelia trilobata</i> is a notorious invasive plant species that exhibits superior tolerance to adapt to environmental stresses. Yet, research on the growth and antioxidant defensive system of invasive <i>Wedelia</i> under low N stress, which could contribute to understanding invasion mechanisms, is still limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and compare the tolerance capability of invasive and native <i>Wedelia</i> under low and normal N conditions. Native and invasive <i>Wedelia</i> species were grown in normal and low-N conditions using a hydroponic nutrient solution for 8 weeks to assess the photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant activity, and localization of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The growth and biomass of <i>W. trilobata</i> were significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) higher than <i>W. chinensis</i> under low N. The leaves of <i>W. trilobata</i> resulted in a significant increase in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content by 40.2, 56.2, and 46%, respectively, compared with <i>W. chinensis. W. trilobata</i> significantly enhanced antioxidant defense systems through catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase by 18.6%, 20%, and 36.3%, respectively, providing a positive response to oxidative stress caused by low N. The PCA analysis showed that <i>W. trilobata</i> was 95.3% correlated with physiological traits by Dim1 (79.1%) and Dim2 (16.3%). This study provides positive feedback on <i>W. trilobata</i> with respect to its comprehensive invasion mechanism to improve agricultural systems via eco-friendly approaches in N deficit conditions, thereby contributing to the reclamation of barren land.
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