Interspecific competitive potential of wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus undulatifolius), a recent introduction to the mid-Atlantic United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Cody Kepner ◽  
Vanessa B. Beauchamp
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Interspecific Competition ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Japanese Stiltgrass ◽  
Wavyleaf Basketgrass

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms by which an invasive plant species is able to colonize and successfully expand into native plant communities can help in estimating the potential threat posed by a new invader and predict impacts on community diversity, structure, and function. Wavyleaf basketgrass [Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) P. Beauv.] is a perennial, shade-tolerant grass species that has been recently introduced to the mid-Atlantic United States. Areas invaded by O. undulatifolius typically have low species richness, but it is unknown whether O. undulatifoius actively outcompetes other species or simply thrives primarily in species-poor habitats. This study used a greenhouse experiment to quantify interspecific competition in shade and sun among seedlings of O. undulatifolius; Japanese stiltgrass [Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus], an invasive annual grass common in the region; and a mix of three native perennial grass species commonly used in restoring areas invaded by M. vimineum. In this experiment, shade did not significantly affect growth or competitive ability. Interspecific competition irrespective of shade had a negative effect on growth of all species, but O. undulatifolius was affected to a much greater degree than either M. vimineum or the native grass mix. These results suggest that, at least under these conditions, O. undulatifolius is a weak interspecific competitor and may be capable of forming dense monotypic stands only in areas that already have low species diversity. In the mid-Atlantic region, postagricultural legacies and overabundant deer populations, which lead to depauperate understories, may be a major facilitator of O. undulatifolius invasion in forests.

Planting native trees to restore riparian forests increases biotic resistance to non-native plant invasions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Chad F. Hammer ◽  
John S. Gunn
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Biotic Resistance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Plant Colonization ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Trees

Abstract Non-native invasive plant species are a major cause of ecosystem degradation and impairment of ecosystem service benefits in the United States. Forested riparian areas provide many ecosystem service benefits and are vital to maintaining water quality of streams and rivers. These systems are also vulnerable to natural disturbances and invasion by non-native plants. We assessed whether planting native trees on disturbed riparian sites may increase biotic resistance to invasive plant establishment in central Vermont in the northeastern United States. The density (stems/m2) of invasive stems was higher in non-planted sites (x̄=4.1 stems/m2) compared to planted sites (x̄=1.3 stems/m2). More than 90% of the invasive plants were Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica). There were no significant differences in total stem density of native vegetation between planted and non-planted sites. Other measured response variables such as native tree regeneration, species diversity, soil properties and soil function showed no significant differences or trends in the paired riparian study sites. The results of this case study indicate that tree planting in disturbed riparian forest areas may assist conservation efforts by minimizing the risk of invasive plant colonization.

Effect of Forage Kochia on Seedling Growth of Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and Perennial Grasses

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-207
Author(s):  
Parmeshwor Aryal ◽  
M. Anowarul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Bromus Tectorum ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Native Grasses ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Competitive Effect ◽  
Forage Kochia

AbstractForage kochia [Bassia prostrata(L.) A. J. Scott] is competitive with annual weeds and has potential for use in reclamation of disturbed land. However, land managers are reluctant to use forage kochia in revegetation programs due to lack of understanding of its compatibility with or invasiveness in the native plant community. We conducted two greenhouse experiments, one to compare the competitive effect of forage kochia versus perennial grasses on growth of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorumL.) and one to study the effect of forage kochia on growth of native perennial grasses. In the first experiment, a single seedling ofB. tectorumwas grown with increasing neighbor densities (0 to 5 seedlings pot−1) of either forage kochia, crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum(L.) Gaertner ×A. desertorum(Fisch. ex Link) Schultes; nonnative perennial grass], or thickspike wheatgrass [Elymus lanceolatus(Scribn. & J. G. Sm.) Gould; native perennial grass].Bromus tectorumgrowth was reduced moderately by all three perennial neighbors, butA. cristatumandE. lanceolatushad more effect onB. tectorumwhen compared with forage kochia. This experiment was repeated and similar results were observed. In the second experiment, forage kochia was grown with each of four native cool-season grass species: basin wildrye [Leymus cinereus(Scribn. & Merr.) Á. Löve], bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata(Pursh) Á. Löve],E. lanceolatus, and western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii(Rydb.) Á. Löve]. Forage kochia had no effect on height, tiller number, and aboveground biomass of native grasses. Similarly, native grasses did not show a significant effect on forage kochia seedlings. This experiment was also repeated, and forage kochia somewhat reduced the aboveground biomass ofL. cinereusandP. spicata. However, all native grasses significantly reduced change in height, branching, and aboveground biomass of forage kochia. These results suggest that forage kochia interfered withB. tectorumseedling growth, but it showed little competitive effect on native grass seedlings.

Nonchemical and Herbicide Treatments for Management of Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Stuart Ward ◽  
Todd L. Mervosh
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Pelargonic Acid ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Connecticut River ◽  
Japanese Stiltgrass ◽  
Four Blocks ◽  
June July

AbstractJapanese stiltgrass, an annual grass species native to eastern Asia, has become a serious invasive-plant problem in the eastern United States. We compared the efficacy of herbicides and nonchemical options found effective for controlling stiltgrass in earlier studies, with organic herbicides and herbicides used at reduced rates in a wooded floodplain along the lower Connecticut River. We compared the effect of 2 yr of conventional and alternative treatments on cover of other nonnative and native species. Four blocks of 18 plots (3 by 4 m [9.8 by 13.1 ft]) were established in May 2008. Treatments included directed heating with a propane torch (June, July), hand-pulling (July), mowing with a string trimmer (July, August), foliar applications of household vinegar [5% acetic acid] (June, July) and the herbicides imazapic (June), pelargonic acid (June, July), and pelargonic acid plus pendimethalin (June). The following herbicides were applied at labeled doses and at one-fourth labeled doses: fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (July), glufosinate (August), and glyphosate (August). Stiltgrass cover and height were evaluated periodically, and plant samples were collected in autumn of 2008 and 2009 to determine the number of viable seeds produced. Final evaluations were conducted in June 2010 after 2 yr of treatment. Stiltgrass cover averaged 88% on untreated plots in fall. All treatments reduced stiltgrass cover and seed production. The least-effective treatments were hand-pulling, pelargonic acid, and vinegar in July. Direct heating, mowing, and vinegar in June reduced seed production by more than 90%. All treatments containing imazapic, pelargonic acid plus pendimethalin, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, glufosinate, and glyphosate completely prevented stiltgrass seed production in the second year of treatment. Effective control of stiltgrass can be achieved during a 2-yr period with a variety of herbicides, including herbicides at one-fourth of the labeled dose, and through nonchemical treatments.

Competitive Ability of Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) When Grown with Three Native Grasses

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordana J. LaFantasie ◽  
Stephen F. Enloe
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Hyoscyamus Niger ◽  
Black Henbane ◽  
Greenhouse Study ◽  
Neighbor Effect ◽  
Mixed Prairie

AbstractBlack henbane is a poisonous, invasive plant in the family Solanaceae, and is typically associated with highly disturbed environments, such as pipelines, roadsides, and mammalian burrows. Often, such disturbances require reseeding for successful restoration; thus, the potential exists for competition between henbane and perennial grasses commonly used in restoration projects. These competitive interactions have not, to our knowledge, been evaluated. We conducted a greenhouse study to compare the response of henbane when grown alone and in combination with three common, cool season, perennial, northern mixed prairie grass species. We examined both seedling and mature grass response to the presence or absence of henbane and the response of henbane to the grasses. Using the relative neighbor-effect index, black henbane was found to be a very poor competitor with mature grasses and two out of three seedling grasses tested. All measures of henbane growth were significantly lower among plants grown with a mature grass pot companion. Total biomass of henbane was up to 99% lower when grown with mature grasses. Mature grasses were not negatively affected when grown in combination with henbane. Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) was the only seedling grass that was competitive with henbane but was also the only seedling grass negatively affected by henbane in both biomass and tiller production. These experiments suggest that henbane is not well suited for invasion of mature grass stands but may negatively influence some perennial grass seedlings in restoration situations.

scholarly journals Native Perennial Grasses in Highway Medians: Pre- and Postplant Techniques for Establishment in a Mediterranean Climate

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-375
Author(s):  
Stephen L. Young ◽  
Victor P. Claassen
Keyword(s):  
Plant Density ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Species Selection ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Grass Establishment ◽  
Grass Growth ◽  
Native Perennial Grass

AbstractWithin highway rights-of-way, native perennial grasses provide desirable services to support natural and human constructed ecosystems. However, native perennial grass establishment in annual grass dominated roadsides of semiarid and Mediterranean climates of the western United States requires specific cultural and chemical management treatments to control weeds. In 2004, field studies were conducted in Sacramento Valley, California to determine the effect of herbicide, disc cultivation, and species selection on native perennial grass establishment and annual weed persistence. Perennial grass species mixes common to drier and wetter upland areas in northern California were drill seeded at two sites (I-5 North and I-5 South) that had been burned in 2003 and received weed control (i.e., herbicide, cultivation, mowing) in spring 2004. Herbicides were the most important treatments for native perennial grass establishment and weed reduction. Native perennial grass species persistence was largely unaffected by cultivation or native plant accessions at these sites. Native perennial grass density increased at I-5 North in the second year of growth (2006) resulting in a plant density totaled across all herbicide regimes of 3.9 plants m−1 compared to 2.5 plants m−1 at I-5 South. Vigorous native perennial grass growth in the more fertile and less droughty soils of I-5 North helped to limit annual weeds through competition, which is anticipated to reduce the need for chemical and mechanical control in years following early establishment.

scholarly journals Invasive Plants Differentially Impact Forest Invertebrates, Providing Taxon-Specific Benefits by Enhancing Structural Complexity

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew P. Landsman ◽  
John Paul Schmit ◽  
Elizabeth R. Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Community Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Invasive Plants ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Structural Complexity ◽  
Plant Management ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Invasive Plant Species ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Japanese Stiltgrass

Exotic plant species often negatively affect native herbivores due to the lack of palatability of the invading plant. Although often unsuitable as food, certain invasive species may provide non-nutritional ecological benefits through increased habitat structural complexity. To understand the potential for common invasive forest plant species of the eastern United States to benefit invertebrate communities, we examined the functional and taxonomic community composition of forest insects and spiders in long-term monitoring plots that contained invasive plant species. The extent of invasive plant species ground cover significantly altered spider community composition as categorized by hunting guild. Areas with higher invasive herbaceous and grass cover contained a higher abundance of space web-weaving and hunting spiders, respectively. Spider species richness and total invertebrate abundance also increased with greater invasive grass cover. Still, these trends were driven by just two invasive plant species, garlic mustard and Japanese stiltgrass, both of which have previously been shown to provide structural benefits to native invertebrate taxa. While these two species may improve the structural component of understory forest habitat, many invertebrate groups were not significantly correlated with other prevalent invasive plants and one species, mock strawberry, negatively affected the abundance of certain insect taxa. Particularly in forests with reduced native plant structure, invasive plant management must be conducted with consideration for holistic habitat quality, including both plant palatability and structure.

scholarly journals Japanese Chaff-flower, Achyranthes japonica (Amaranthaceae), on the Erie islands, an invasive plant new to Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-59
Author(s):  
James Kamstra
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
The United States ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Western Lake ◽  
Achyranthes Japonica ◽  
Western Lake Erie

Japanese Chaff-flower, Achyranthes japonica (Miquel) Nakai (Amaranthaceae) was found growing on two islands in western Lake Erie: East Sister Island and Middle Island. These are the first documented reports for this species in Canada, and these locations are approximately 300 km north of the nearest reported observations in southern Ohio. Japanese Chaff-flower is a non-native plant from Asia, which is highly invasive in the United States and has the potential to become so in Canada.

Integration of Prescribed Burning, Aminopyralid, and Reseeding for Restoration of Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis)-Infested Rangeland

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 480-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy B. Kyser ◽  
Arthur Hazebrook ◽  
Joseph M. DiTomaso
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Centaurea Solstitialis ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Yellow Starthistle ◽  
Complete Control ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Native Perennial Grass

AbstractYellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is among the most invasive plant species in the western United States. The long-term management of yellow starthistle should include an integrated approach that incorporates establishment of competitive vegetation. In this study, conducted in two locations at Fort Hunter Liggett in Monterey County, California, we evaluated the combination of prescribed burning, the herbicide aminopyralid, and reseeding of native broadleaf and grass species on both yellow starthistle control and native plant restoration. Both study sites were burned in late October 2009. Over the following season, aminopyralid was applied at three timings and native plant species were seeded at three timings, using both a drill-seeder and broadcast spreader. Evaluations over the next 3 yr showed that aminopyralid provided complete to nearly complete control of yellow starthistle when applied between January and March, and this level of control was maintained for two seasons. Native plants failed to establish when broadcast seeded, regardless of the timing. December and January drill seeding timings were the most successful in establishing native species. There was a strong herbicide and drill seed timing interaction effect on native grass cover at both study sites. Over the course of the study the native perennial grass Stipa cernua was the most successful seeded species to establish, but establishment was slow and required 3 yr. Our results indicate that a January or March aminopyralid treatment integrated with a native perennial grass drill seeding program in January offers the greatest probability of both successful yellow starthistle control and perennial grass establishment.

Hymenachne acutigluma (Steud.) Gilliland in GBS 20:314 - An exceptionally important perennial grass for anatomy and indigenous practice.

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (04) ◽  
pp. 4958
Author(s):  
Dulal De
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Secondary Growth ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Stem Anatomy

Hymenachne acutigluma (Steud.) Gilliland, a robust rhizomatous perennial grass spreads on moist and swampy land and also floating in water. Being a grass species, they do not have any cambium for secondary growth. A peculiarity in stem anatomy especially the spongy pith of secondary tissues found in absence of the cambium. The origin and development of the parenchymatous pith tissues has been investigated in the present study. Economically this spongy pith is of very much potent for its high absorbing and filtering capacity and also used as a good fodder.

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