Abstract
Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass) is recognized as a problematic invader of North American marshes, decreasing biodiversity and persisting in the face of control efforts. Less is known about its ecology or management in forested wetlands, providing an opportunity to apply information about factors critical to an invader’s control in one wetland type to another. In a potted plant experiment and in the field, we documented strong competitive effects of reed canarygrass on the establishment and early growth of tree seedlings. In the field, we demonstrated the effectiveness of a novel restoration strategy, combining site scarification with late fall applications of pre-emergent herbicides. Treatments delayed reed canarygrass emergence the following spring, creating a window of opportunity for the early growth of native plants in the absence of competition from the grass. They also allowed for follow-up herbicide treatments during the growing season. We documented greater establishment of wetland herbs and tree seedlings in treated areas. Data from small exclosures suggest, however, that deer browsing can limit tree seedling height growth in floodplain restorations. Slower tree growth will delay canopy closure, potentially allowing reed canarygrass re-invasion. Thus, it may be necessary to protect tree seedlings from herbivory to assure forest regeneration.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by a UW-L Faculty Research Grant, an Undergraduate Research Grant, and a College of Science and Health Dean’s Research Fellowship. The United States Geologic Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center provided funding for field assistants. DuPont and BASF Corporation donated the Oust® and Pendulum® herbicides used in the study. The authors thank the Environmental Stewardship staff at the La Crescent Field Office of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District for help in the field and site treatment expenses, Lee Shambeau for assistance with revisions, and the reviewers of our manuscript for their thoughtful comments. Any use of trade names or products does not imply endorsement by the United States Government.
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Thomsen, M., Brownell, K., Groshek, M. et al. Control of Reed Canarygrass Promotes Wetland Herb and Tree Seedling Establishment in an Upper Mississippi River Floodplain Forest. Wetlands 32, 543–555 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-012-0289-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-012-0289-5