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

Abstract

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.

Poor Fertility, Short Longevity, and Low Abundance in the Soil Seed Bank Limit Volunteer Sugarcane from Seed

“…Under the right conditions, establishment of a population of Saccharum is possible. In Panama, where wild sugarcane ( Saccharum spontaneum ) produces seeds at the time of the year of intense rainfall, recruitment of new plants from seeds contributes to its invasiveness in deforested areas (Bonnett et al, 2014 ). While S. spontaneum is present in Australian sugarcane area and some populations produce viable seeds (Bonnett et al, 2008 ; Pierre et al, 2015 ), there are no indications that the populations are expanding.…”

Studies on Colonisation of Fly Ash Disposal Sites Using Invasive Species and Aromatic Grasses

“…These invasive grasses have tolerance to various adverse conditions and shows competitive behaviour towards other species. Narratively, their perennial nature, presence of light persistent seeds and rhizomatous roots imparts the advantage for their invasive nature (Graham et al 2014). On the other hand they also stabilise the fly ash dump surface by holding on to the loose material through their strong roots (Kaith et al 2010).…”

Harnessing Natural Colorants for Sustainable Textile Dyeing an Eco-Friendly Approach Using Sweet Cane (Saccharum Bengalense Retz.) Inflorescence

“…It becomes dominant by producing large amount of bio mass and dormant seeds 21,22 . Physical eradication by fire and cutting the above ground biomass is the basic method to control this weed 23 . The surplus plant material is treated as waste so the use of this plant as a source of natural colorant may not disturb biodiversity and natural flora.…”