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The dilemma of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus): a valued pasture grass and a highly invasive species

Biological Invasions volume 23, pages 3653–3669 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

On a global scale, invasive grasses threaten biodiversity and ecosystem function. Nevertheless, the importation of forage grasses is a significant economic force driven by globalization. Pastureland and rangeland are of critical economic and ecological importance, but novel grass species may lead to invasion. Recognizing that economically important species can also be ecologically damaging creates a contentious debate for land managers, policymakers, and ecologists alike. Many Afrotropical perennial grass species have been intentionally introduced pantropically given their high forage production and resistance to stress. However, these traits may also confer competitive ability, increasing the possibility of unintended escape and invasion. Further, these traits have posed challenges for traditional control methods using chemicals, prescribed fire, and mowing. The use of classic biological control may alleviate the ecological impact in invaded areas. In this literature synthesis we examine Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus); whose economic value in many countries is undeniable, yet its impact on native ecosystems is a mounting concern. First, we introduce Guinea grass taxonomy, general biology and ecology, and the geographic and genetic origins. Second, we review the economic value and the ecological impacts. Third, we review the control of Guinea grass in undesired areas using chemical and mechanical means. Finally, we review current efforts to use biological control.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Ivy Ng'iru of Mpala Research Centre, Kenya and Jason Lawson, and Shawn Evenson at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory (BFL) for field and laboratory support. Jimmy Rutledge and Bart DuPont of El Coyote ranch provided stimulating discussions and insights. During review of the manuscript, we received useful feedback from the reviewers which have improved several aspects of this paper. Finally, we greatly appreciate the financial support provided by The Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation.

Funding

This research is supported by the Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin, Room 109, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703, USA

    Aaron C. Rhodes, Robert M. Plowes & Lawrence E. Gilbert

  2. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Edinburg, TX, 78541, USA

    John A. Goolsby

  3. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Sidney, MT, USA

    John F. Gaskin

  4. International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

    Boaz Musyoka & Paul-André Calatayud

  5. CNRS, IRD, UMR Évolution, Comportement et Écologie, Génomes, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France

    Paul-André Calatayud

  6. BBCA ONLUS, Rome, Italy

    Massimo Cristofaro

  7. ENEA, SSPT BIOAG, Rome, Italy

    Massimo Cristofaro

  8. El Coyote Ranch, Riviera, TX, USA

    Eric D. Grahmann

  9. Mpala Research Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya

    Dino J. Martins

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  1. Aaron C. Rhodes
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  4. John F. Gaskin
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Correspondence to Aaron C. Rhodes.

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Rhodes, A.C., Plowes, R.M., Goolsby, J.A. et al. The dilemma of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus): a valued pasture grass and a highly invasive species. Biol Invasions 23, 3653–3669 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-021-02607-3

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