Extent and Reproductive Mechanisms of Phragmites australis Spread in Brackish Wetlands in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland (USA)

McCormick, Melissa; Kettenring, Karin M.; Baron, Heather M.; Whigham, Dennis F.

doi:10.1007/s13157-009-0007-0

Cited by 101 publications

(93 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Although the average viability of these other species is typically much lower than the rates we have observed (e.g. less than 20 % for Phragmites australis (Kettenring and Whigham 2009)), they are aggressive invaders in North American wetlands and seeds play an important role in their dispersal (Belzile et al 2010;Daehler and Strong 1994;McCormick et al 2010).…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 53%

The reproductive biology of Saccharum spontaneum L.: implications for management of this invasive weed in Panama

Bonnett

Kushner²,

Saltonstall³

2014

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Saccharum spontaneum L. is an invasive grass that has spread extensively in disturbed areas throughout the Panama Canal watershed (PCW), where it has created a fire hazard and inhibited reforestation efforts. Currently physical removal of aboveground biomass is the primary means of controlling this weed, which is largely ineffective and does little to inhibit spread of the species. Little is known about reproduction of this species, although it is both rhizomatous and produces abundant seed. Here we report a series of studies looking at some of the basic reproductive mechanisms and strategies utilised by S. spontaneum to provide information to support development of better targeted management strategies.We found that seed produced between September and November was germinable both in the lab and in situ. Genetic diversity of mature stands was assessed using microsatellite markers and found to be high, even at small scales. Studies of vegetative reproduction showed that buds on stems that had been dried for up to six weeks were still capable of sprouting. Separate experiments showed that stem fragments could sprout when left on the surface or buried shallowly and that larger pieces sprouted more readily than smaller pieces.Collectively these results demonstrate that S. spontaneum in the PCW has the capability to produce many propagules that can successfully recruit and it is likely that seed dispersal drives the spread of the species. Timing of management actions to reduce flowering would significantly reduce the seed load into the environment and help to prevent spread to new sites. Similarly, where biomass is cut, cutting stems into smaller pieces will allow the stems to dry out and reduce the ability of buds to sprout. Additionally, attention should be paid to prevent accidental transport to new sites on machinery.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 53%

The reproductive biology of Saccharum spontaneum L.: implications for management of this invasive weed in Panama

Bonnett

Kushner²,

Saltonstall³

2014

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“…The likelihood that sexual propagation is playing a role in these populations is supported by recent observations of seeds germinated from panicles from Short B populations (Hauber et al, unpublished). And, as mentioned earlier, Short B is closely aligned with introduced P. australis populations outside the delta which are known to produce viable seed (Saltonstall and Stevenson 2007;Meyerson et al 2010) and establish new populations from seed (Brisson et al 2008;McCormick et al 2010).…”

Section: Reproduction and Propagationsupporting

confidence: 52%

Genetic Variation in the Common Reed, Phragmites australis, in the Mississippi River Delta Marshes: Evidence for Multiple Introductions

Hauber

Saltonstall

White

et al. 2011

Estuaries and Coasts

117

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Multiple introductions are believed to play an important role in increasing genetic diversity and adaptability of invasive species, but there are few well-documented examples. The common reed, Phragmites australis, has dramatically increased in tidal wetlands throughout the USA in the past century due primarily to the introduction of a Eurasian lineage. In the Mississippi River "Balize" delta, P. australis is the dominant vegetation where monotypic stands of an introduced form blanket the outer marshes. The delta's interior marshes, on the other hand, are more vegetatively diverse, serving as important waterfowl foraging habitat. Recent encroachment by various phenotypic forms of P. australis into the interior marshes led to this study examining genetic variation in these stands. Our results revealed four chloroplast DNA haplotypes that also segregate based on microsatellite variation. Three of these are closely related and introduced, but differ relative to time and likely mode of introduction. The "Delta" type (haplotype M1), which is unique to the region and the most common lineage, displays considerable microsatellite diversity. The Eurasian introduced lineage of P. australis (haplotype M), which is invasive elsewhere in North America, is increasing its distribution in the delta. A novel haplotype, AD, was also identified which is phenotypically and genetically similar to haplotype M. Despite the close relatedness, we found no evidence for inter-haplotype gene exchange at the nuclear level, suggesting that intraspecific hybridization is not a contributing factor to these invasions. The site provides a unique opportunity for researchers to understand the dynamics of multiple P. australis invasions.

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“…Phragmites was collected from a patch that was identified genetically to be the introduced genotype from Europe (McCormick et al, 2010). In January, 2009, Peltandra and Phragmites seeds were germinated in moist sand and subsequently transplanted to seedling trays filled with a wetted potting soil mix.…”

Section: Experimental Set-upmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plant species traits regulate methane production in freshwater wetland soils

Sutton‐Grier

Megonigal

2011

Soil Biology and Biochemistry

130

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Extent and Reproductive Mechanisms of Phragmites australis Spread in Brackish Wetlands in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland (USA)

Cited by 101 publications

References 39 publications

The reproductive biology of Saccharum spontaneum L.: implications for management of this invasive weed in Panama

The reproductive biology of Saccharum spontaneum L.: implications for management of this invasive weed in Panama

Genetic Variation in the Common Reed, Phragmites australis, in the Mississippi River Delta Marshes: Evidence for Multiple Introductions

Plant species traits regulate methane production in freshwater wetland soils

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