april 12-14, 2017 crowne plaza oceanfront melbourne, florida · 2017. 4. 11. · officers ....
TRANSCRIPT
April 12-14, 2017
CROWNE PLAZA OCEANFRONT
MELBOURNE, FLORIDA
Table of Contents
FLEPPC Board of Directors.......................................................................................................... ............................... 3
Conference Agenda...................................................................................................................... ................................... 4-5
FLEPPC 2017/2019 Slate of Nominees............................................................................................................... 6
Abstracts – Oral Presentations.................................................................................................. .............................. 7
Abstracts – Poster Presentations............................................................................................... ............................ 21
Author Index ...................................................................................................................... ............................................... 27
Sponsors, Contributors, Vendors............................................................................................... ............................. 28
OFFICERS
Christen Mason, Chair [email protected]
Sherry Williams, Past-Chair [email protected]
Aimee Cooper, Secretary [email protected]
Karen Brown, Treasurer [email protected]
“Rook” Cleary, Editor [email protected]
DIRECTORS – 2nd Year – Outgoing
Gwen Burzycki, [email protected]
Sarah Laroque, [email protected]
Greg MacDonald, [email protected]
Gregg Walker, [email protected]
DIRECTORS – 1st Year
Kristine Campbell [email protected]
Jimmy Lange [email protected]
Mike Middlebrook [email protected]
Cody Miller [email protected]
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Local Arrangements Sherry Williams, [email protected]
Program Chair/CEUs Karen Brown, [email protected]
Registration Gayle Edwards, [email protected]
Silent Auction Christen Mason, [email protected]
Vendors Jim Burney; Karen Brown [email protected]
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS
By-Laws Mike Renda, [email protected]
Checklist Sarah Laroque, [email protected]
CISMA Grant Gregg Walker, [email protected]
Control and Evaluation Greg MacDonald, [email protected]
Education/Outreach Grant Kris Campbell, [email protected]
Finance Ruark Cleary, [email protected]
Legislative Deah Lieurance, [email protected]
Membership Gayle Edwards, [email protected]
Merchandise Jimmy Lange, [email protected]
Nominations Jim Burney, [email protected]
Outreach Christen Mason, [email protected]
Plant Industry Liaison Gary Knox, [email protected]
Plant List Ken Langeland, [email protected]
Research Grant Jim Cuda, [email protected]
Webmaster/Liaison Chuck Bargeron, [email protected] Karen Brown, [email protected]
3FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
FLEPPC 2017 CONFERENCE AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12th
8:00 – 9:30 Registration – Foyer 8:00 – 5:00 Vendor Set-Up, Poster Set-Up, Silent Auction Set-Up – St Lucia/St Martin Rooms 9:30 – 11:30 FLEPPC Board Meeting (All are welcome to attend) – St Croix/St Thomas Rooms 12:00 – 1:00 Registration – Foyer 1:00 – 5:25 Oral Presentations – Aruba Room 5:00 – 6:30 Poster Session and Welcome Social – St Lucia/St Martin Rooms
ORAL PRESENTATIONS – Aruba Room
SESSION I – WELCOME, KEYNOTE SPEAKER, INVITED SPEAKER – CEU SESSION ID: 23169 Moderator – Christen Mason
1:00 – 1:10 – Welcome and Announcements – Christen Mason, FLEPPC Chair
1:10 – 2:00 – Keynote Speaker – Don Cipollini, Ph.D., Causes and Consequences of the Host Range Expansion of
Emerald Ash Borer in North America
2:00 – 2:50 – Stephen Enloe, Ph.D., Do Graminicides have a Future in Aquatic Invasive Grass Management in Florida? 2:50 – 3:20 – NETWORKING BREAK IN VENDOR ROOM
SESSION II – STUDENT ORAL PRESENTATIONS – CEU SESSION ID: 23175 Moderator: Greg MacDonald
3:20 – 3:45 – Emma Byerly – Facilitation among Invasive Plant Species under Experimental Drought 3:45 – 4:10 – Cathy Fahey – Grass Invasion Overwhelms Chronic Drought in Structuring Plant Communities 4:10 – 4:35 – Candice Prince – Chemical Control of Phragmites australis under Climate Change Conditions
4:35 – 5:00 – Cody Lastinger – Changing the “Hack and Squirt” Paradigm for Woody, Invasive Plant Control
5:00 – 6:30 – POSTER SESSION AND WELCOME SOCIAL IN VENDOR ROOM
THURSDAY, APRIL 13th
8:00 – 12:00 Registration – Foyer 8:00 – 5:00 Vendor Exhibits, Poster Display, Silent Auction Display – St Lucia/St Martin Rooms 8:00 – 12:00 Oral Presentations – Aruba Room 12:30 – 4:30 Field Trips – Meet in Foyer 12:30 – 4:30 FISP/CISMA Session – Aruba Room 6:00 – 7:30 Banquet – Ocean Deck Pavilion 7:30 – 10:00 Awards, Silent Auction Ends – Vendor Room
ORAL PRESENTATIONS – Aruba Room
SESSION III – ORAL PRESENTATIONS – CEU SESSION ID: 23176 Moderator: Karen Brown
8:00 – 8:10 – Vendor Update – Dharmen Setaram (Winfield Solutions) 8:10 – 8:35 – John Kunzer – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Invasive Plant Management
Section Status Update For Current Treatment Procedures 8:35 – 9:00 – Candice Prince & Greg MacDonald – Cane Grasses of Florida – A New ID Guide 9:00 – 9:50 – Erick Revuelta – Invasive Grasses of Florida and Their Native Look-Alikes: A Grass Identification
Workshop 9:50 – 10:20 – NETWORKING BREAK IN VENDOR ROOM
4 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
SESSION IV – ORAL PRESENTATIONS – CEU SESSION ID: 23177 Moderator: Jimmy Lange
10:20 – 10:25 – Vendor Update – Katherine Murray (Environmental Quality, Inc.) 10:25 – 10:35 – Jim Burney – Invasive Plant Management Association Update 10:35 – 11:00 – Antonio Pernas – The Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Experience 11:00 – 11:25 – Cheryl Millett – The Central Florida Lygodium Strategy: Where are we with Lygodium
microphyllum and What’s Next? 11:25 – 11:50 – Deah Lieurance – An Update from the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s
Natural Areas 11:50 – 12:15 – Chuck Bargeron – EDDMapS PRO – A New App for Professionals to Collect Invasive Species
SESSION V – FIELD TRIPS OR FISP/CISMA SESSION – 12:30 – 4:30 (EVERYONE PICK UP LUNCHES)
A. FIELD TRIPS – 12:30–4:30 – MEET TRIP LEADERS IN FOYER – CEU SESSION ID: 23178 1. Basal bark demo & workshop 2. Indian River Lagoon restoration project 3. St. Sebastian River State Park post-restoration management tour
B. FISP/CISMA SESSION – 12:45 – 4:15 – ARUBA ROOM 12:45 – 2:15 – Right of Way discussion with Jon Heller, FL DOT 2:30 – 4:00 – Social Marketing: How to Find your Audience with Laura Warner, UFL 4:00 – 4:15 – New UF/IFAS Invasive Species Extension Coordinator, Rose Godfrey
6:00 – 7:30 – BANQUET – Ocean Deck Pavilion 7:30 – 10:00 – AWARDS, SILENT AUCTION ENDS IN VENDOR ROOM
FRIDAY, APRIL 14th
8:00 – 12:10 – Oral Presentations – Aruba Room 12:20 – Conference Concludes
SESSION VI – ORAL PRESENTATIONS – CEU SESSION ID: 23179 Moderator: Kelli Gladding
8:00 – 8:10 – Vendor Update – Kelli Gladding (SEPRO) 8:10 – 8:35 – Chelsea Cunard – Exotic Plant Prevention: Assessing the Invasion Risk Associated with
Shipping Containers Entering the Port of Savannah
8:35 – 9:00 – FLEPPC BUSINESS MEETING (Prize drawing mid-meeting)
9:00 – 9:25 – Fred Fishel – Current Status of Herbicide Resistance in Non-Crop Areas 9:25 – 9:50 – Candice Prince and Greg MacDonald – Broad-Scale Herbicide Applications to Control Japanese
Climbing Fern Reproduction and Growth across Florida’s Climatic Zones 9:50 – 10:00 – James Estrada – Clonal Integration Enhances Performance in a Highly Invasive Grass 10:00 – 10:30 – NETWORKING BREAK IN VENDOR ROOM
SESSION VII – ORAL PRESENTATIONS – CEU SESSION ID: 23180 Moderator: Gwen Burzycki
10:30 – 10:40 – Vendor Update – Danielle Alston (FLATWOOD NATIVES-HABITAT SOLUTIONS] 10:40 – 11:05 – Jim Cuda - The Gall Midge Orseolia javanica (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a Candidate
Biological Control Agent of Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica)
11:05 – 11:30 – Greg Jubinsky – Observations of the Kalanchoe Species Found along Florida’s East Coast 11:30 – 11:55 – Colette Jacono – Development of Taxonomic Tools for the Separation of Ludwigia Hexapetala and
Ludwigia grandiflora in Florida 11:55 – 12:20 – Greg Jubinsky – Decontamination: An Invasive Weed EDRR Tool Too Often Overlooked
12:20 – CONFERENCE CONCLUDES
5FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
2017/2019 SLATE OF NOMINEES – FLEPPC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR-ELECT NOMINEE
Jimmy Lange is a botanist with several years of experience working with South Florida plants and ecosystems. Graduating with
honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science, Jimmy began his research career
studying effects of time-since-fire on foliar nutrients of scrub palmettos under the guidance of the Mack Ecosystem Ecology Lab. He
went on to join the Plant Ecology Lab at Archbold Biological Station where he assisted on a number of research projects on several
rare plant populations and scrub habitat. He then worked at the Michigan Tech Research Institute where he conducted ground-truthing
surveys of Great Lakes wetland plant communities and worked on mapping the invasive Phragmites australis. Jimmy is currently
completing a master’s degree at Florida Atlantic University where he has been studying impacts of Melaleuca quinquenervia and
management practices on plant communities in the northern Everglades under Dr. Brian Benscoter. Jimmy joined the Institute for
Regional Conservation (IRC) in January 2014 working on several projects relating to rare plant research and habitat management, and
is a current research associate. During this time he also was a botanist with Keith & Schnars, conducting plant surveys of several
mitigation sites. He currently is a field botanist with the South Florida Conservation Team at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden where
he continues to work with south Florida plants and ecosystems, primarily focusing on mapping and monitoring of rare species, as well
as helping guide management activities that promote native plant diversity.
Jimmy Lange, Field Botanist, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, FL, Office: (305)667-1651, x 3515; Cell: (954)254-1020;
BOARD OF DIRECTOR NOMINEES
Craig van der Heiden is a conservation biologist and restoration ecologist working as the CEO of the Florida-based environmental
non-profit company, the Institute for Regional Conservation. He completed advanced degrees at Florida Atlantic University in
Environmental Science (MS, 2005) and Integrative Biology - Ecology (PhD, 2012) studying the relocation of rhino in a sanctuary in
Malawi, Africa, and the distribution and movement patterns of slough crayfish in the Central Everglades, respectively. Craig puts his
diverse background into practice through research and applied management projects on rare and endangered flora and fauna as well as
ecological restoration projects in Florida’s ecosystems. His work includes invasive species removal, the application of fire within
ecosystem management, demographic studies on rare species, and vegetation responses to climate change.
Craig van der Heiden, PhD, CEO, The Institute for Regional Conservation, Delray Beach, FL; (561)573-6302; [email protected]
Erick Revuelta is a Scientist with the St. Johns River Water Management District. He graduated from the University of Miami with a
degree in Environmental Science. He has worked in natural resource planning, land resource management and permitting in the public
and private sectors throughout the State of Florida. His current work includes performing formal wetland jurisdictional determinations,
reviewing environmental resource applications and providing technical support and plant identification trainings to District staff. He
has lead graminoid field identification and plant identification workshops in South and North Florida and volunteers with the South
Florida Conservation Team at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden.
Erick Revuelta, Regulatory Scientist II, Bureau of Environmental Resource Regulation, St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, FL;
[email protected]; (386)643-1933
Brian Lockwood is currently the leader of the NPS Florida/Caribbean Exotic Plant Management Team based in Palmetto Bay. In this
position, he oversees hiring/supervision of the team members and a program that provides invasive plant management services to 15
parks in Florida and the Caribbean. Brian assists these parks and numerous partners with technical guidance, data management,
contracting and agreements, compliance, training and education activities, and other aspects of running a successful invasive plant
management program. Brian is a graduate of the University of West Florida, with a B.S. in Biology. He began his federal career in
natural resources management with the NPS at Biscayne NP in 1991 where he worked for10 years. He then held positions with
USFWS in the Florida Keys as a Marine Biologist and in Oklahoma as an Assistant Refuge Manager. In 2009 he returned to the NPS
at Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas as Preserve Biologist and finally as the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team
Liaison in Virginia from 2012 until 2016, before assuming his present duties with the FLC EPMT in 2016.
Brian Lockwood, National Park Service, Florida/Caribbean Exotic Plant Management Team Liaison, Palmetto Bay, FL; Office: (786)249-0073
Cell: (540)742-2831; [email protected]
Katharine Murray has 25+ years of experience in environmental science and planning. She is the owner and CEO of Environmental
Quality, Inc. (EQI), founded in 1990. EQI’s focus is environmental consulting and contracting with emphasis on exotic vegetation
management, native habitat restoration, water quality, and island ecosystems. Many of her projects include wetland delineation,
natural resource assessment, and native plant propagation. EQI has offices in Jupiter/Tequesta FL and Honolulu, HI. Katharine
received her degree in Oceanographic Technology from Florida Institute of Technology in Jensen Beach, FL and studied biology with
emphasis in agricultural science at Berry College in Rome, GA. Katharine is a Licensed Environmental Professional with NAEP, a
certified Infrastructure Preparedness Specialist, and is Vice Chair of the Palm Beach County Planning Commission.
Katharine Murray, Environmental Quality, Inc., Tequesta, FL; Office: (561)575-6778; Cell: (561)714-4172; [email protected]
6 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
ABSTRACTS – ORAL PRESENTATIONS
(in order by program agenda)
Wednesday, April 12, SESSION I – KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND INVITED
SPEAKER – Moderator: Christen Mason
CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE HOST RANGE EXPANSION OF EMERALD ASH
BORER IN NORTH AMERICA
Don Cipollini, Ph.D., Professor, Plant Physiology/Chemical Ecology and Director, Environmental Sciences Ph.D.
Program, Wright State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 203 Biological Sciences I, 3640 Colonel
Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435; 937-775-3805; [email protected]
BIO: Don Cipollini is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and Director
of Wright State’s Interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences PhD program. His research focuses on the physiology
and ecology of plant defenses to herbivores and pathogens and the physiology, ecology and management of
invasive plants and insects. For the past twelve years, Dr. Cipollini has worked as part of a collaborative team to
identify host resistance mechanisms to emerald ash borer, and to examine chemical determinants of adult
attraction and larval responses to host plant defenses. He has published 100 peer-reviewed papers and has
received research funding from a variety of state and federal sources, including USDA and NSF. He is director of
Pi Epsilon, the National Environmental Sciences Honor Society, past chair of the Ohio Plant Biotechnology
Consortium, and a past board member of the Ohio Invasive Plants Council. Dr. Cipollini is on the editorial boards
of the journals, Environmental Entomology and Journal of Chemical Ecology, and is a past winner of a Wright
State University Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence.
ABSTRACT: Since its discovery in 2002, there were no reports of the ash-killing emerald ash borer developing
in any non-ash host in the field in North America... until 2014. Don Cipollini will describe the process of
discovering that emerald ash borer can attack and complete development in white fringetree, Chionanthus
virginicus, a species native to the southeastern United States that is planted ornamentally. Further studies have
revealed that this phenomenon is widespread, yet questions remain about why this has occurred, what risks
emerald ash borer poses to this species and how to protect it. New research has revealed other potential hosts that
range from federally endangered species to cultivated trees. Cipollini will address these questions, as well as the
broader implications of this finding for other herbivorous insects interacting with novel hosts.
DO GRAMINICIDES HAVE A FUTURE IN AQUATIC INVASIVE GRASS MANAGEMENT
IN FLORIDA?
Stephen F. Enloe1 and Michael Netherland
2
1Stephen F. Enloe, Associate Professor, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL, 352-339-1319; [email protected]; 2Michael Netherland, Ph.D., US Army ERDC, Gainesville, FL;
352-392-0335; [email protected]
BIO: Dr. Enloe has been involved with invasive plant research and extension for the past 19 years. He has worked
throughout the western and southeastern United States, including California, Colorado, Wyoming, Alabama, and
now Florida. Over the last eight years, Dr. Enloe has worked extensively on cogongrass, Chinese privet, Chinese
tallowtree, Japanese climbing fern, Chinaberry tree, and a host of other invasive plants. He has also recently
7FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
worked in the area of bioenergy with an emphasis on preventing potential bioenergy species from becoming the
next big invader. Dr. Enloe earned his Ph.D. at UC Davis in Plant Biology under Joe DiTomaso, a Master’s
degree in weed science from Colorado State University under Scott Nissen, and an undergraduate degree in
Agronomy from NC State.
ABSTRACT: Torpedograss (Panicum repens) is an invasive grass that is very difficult to manage in aquatic
systems. For many years, non-selective treatments of glyphosate and imazapyr have been the only options that
provide meaningful control. However, the lack of selectivity with both herbicides has resulted in considerable
non-target damage to many desirable plant species. To address this, the selective graminicide sethoxydim received
an experimental use permit in Florida in 2015. Under that permit, in 2016, we evaluated sethoxydim efficacy on
torpedograss in a constructed wetland near Bonita Springs, FL. Treatments consisted of single or sequential
broadcast applications of sethoxydim at 0.5 kg/ha and a glyphosate + imazapyr commercial standard. Sequential
treatments were applied at 14 or 14 and 28 days after initial treatment (DAIT). The experiment was initiated on
April 27, 2016 and was repeated beginning on May 27, 2016. For both experimental runs, torpedograss visual
control data was collected at 30, 60, 90, and 180 DAIT. Additionally, live green torpedograss cover was estimated
in three randomly placed one square meter quadrats at 180 DAIT. Live belowground biomass was quantified at 90
and 180 DAIT with a 15 cm diameter aquatic sediment sampler to a depth of 30 cm. Single applications of
sethoxydim resulted in poor visual control at all sample dates. However, sequential (two or three sethoxydim
treatments) resulted in torpedograss visual control and comparable to the glyphosate + imazapyr commercial
standard at 60, 90, and 180 DAIT. However, sequential sethoxydim treatments did not negatively impact
torpedograss rhizomes to the extent of the glyphosate + imazapyr treatment. These results indicate that repeated
applications of sethoxydim may be useful for torpedograss control and may be most useful when selectivity is
needed.
Wednesday, April 12, SESSION II – STUDENT PRESENTATION SESSION
Moderator: Greg MacDonald
FACILITATION AMONG INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES UNDER EXPERIMENTAL
DROUGHT (STUDENT PRESENTATION)
Emma Byerly1 and S. Luke Flory
2
1Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, [email protected]
2Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 352-294-1593, [email protected]
BIO: Emma Byerly is an undergraduate studying plant science at the University of Florida. She is interested in
the impacts of climate change on plant invasions and hopes to continue her studies into graduate school.
ABSTRACT: Native communities are increasingly subjected to multiple invaders but the interactions between
these species are not well understood. One invader may create conditions that facilitate other invaders, which
could ultimately lead to a suite of invasive species replacing the native community (i.e., invasional meltdown). In
addition, climate change conditions such as drought may stress native communities and promote establishment of
and facilitation among plant invaders. Here we sought to determine if the invasive cogongrass (Imperata
cylindrica) facilitated other invaders under drought conditions. Performance of lantana (Lantana camara),
Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), and Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) was evaluated in common
garden plots that were treated with a factorial combination of cogongrass invasion and reduced rainfall compared
to controls. Across all secondary invader species, rodent herbivory was on average 130% higher in invaded than
uninvaded plots, resulting in 10-40% lower survival. Despite greater herbivory, cogongrass invasion quadrupled
8 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
average biomass of secondary invaders relative to uninvaded controls, regardless of drought treatment. Likewise,
drought resulted in 250% greater invader biomass relative to ambient rainfall conditions. For all secondary
invaders, plant growth and final biomass were lowest in uninvaded plots with ambient rainfall. In addition,
lantanas in this treatment did not reach reproductive maturity, suggesting some degree of biotic resistance by
intact native communities. Our results demonstrate that drought and cogongrass each facilitated secondary
invaders, reaffirming calls for invasive species removal and mitigation of climate change conditions.
GRASS INVASION OVERWHELMS CHRONIC DROUGHT IN STRUCTURING PLANT
COMMUNITIES (STUDENT PRESENTATION)
Cathy Fahey1, Christine Angelini
2, and S. Luke Flory
3
1School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 607-592-5202,
[email protected]; 2Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL,
[email protected]; 3Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, [email protected]
BIO: Cathy Fahey is a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of
Florida. Her research focuses on the interactions between non-native plant invasions and climate change, with
particular emphasis on plant-soil interactions.
ABSTRACT: Climate change and species invasions are simultaneously affecting many ecosystems worldwide;
however, few studies have investigated how climate-related physical stress and competition with invasive species
may interact to regulate native plant community structure over time. Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass) is a highly
problematic invasive grass that has infested nearly every county in Florida. Future climate scenarios predict
increased drought conditions for the region and climate change has the potential to increase the success and
exacerbate the effects of invasions. Our goal was to investigate the individual and interactive effects of I.
cylindrica invasion and drought on the threatened plant communities of longleaf pine forests. We planted longleaf
pine seedlings and native herbaceous plant species in 40, 4 m × 4 m plots, and applied a factorial combination of
I. cylindrica invasion and rainout shelters to simulate drought. At six times over two years, we recorded plant
community composition. Instead of interacting synergistically to alter plant communities, invasion by I.
cylindrica reduced the magnitude of the drought treatment such that soil moisture was higher in the invaded-
drought than the uninvaded-drought treatments. Furthermore, the drought treatment did not significantly affect I.
cylindrica cover. By the third year of the experiment, invasion alone reduced species richness by 50% and
drought reduced richness by 13%, while in plots experiencing both stressors richness was similar to plots with
invasion alone. Native plant community composition diverged greatly over time in response to invasion, but
showed minimal response to drought. Invaded plots maintained >60% live cover in February versus <30% in
native plots, suggesting the extended phenology of I. cylindrica may promote its dominance. Our results indicate
that chronic drought does not exacerbate the impacts of invasion as predicted, but that considerable losses of plant
diversity are associated with invasion regardless of the ambient or drought conditions.
CHEMICAL CONTROL OF PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE
CONDITIONS (STUDENT PRESENTATION)
Candice M. Prince1, Greg E. MacDonald
2, and John E. Erickson
2
1 Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 321-446-1035,
[email protected] ; 2 Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, [email protected];
9FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
BIO: Candice Prince is a Ph.D. student in the Environmental Horticulture Department at the University of
Florida. Her research focuses on the response of invasive grasses to environmental change, and how these
responses impact management. Candice also received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Florida in
2014, majoring in Plant Science with an emphasis on Restoration Horticulture.
ABSTRACT: Native wetland plant communities throughout North America have been replaced by dense
monocultures of Phragmites australis (common reed; hereafter referred to as Phragmites). This species is divided
into haplotypes, with native and exotic haplotypes present in the United States. Two haplotypes present
management concerns in Florida: Haplotype M (an aggressive Eurasian haplotype) was first identified in the state
in 2013, and haplotype I (which has unclear origins) has recently become aggressive in disturbed freshwater
wetlands. Increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and temperature can have a significant impact on the
growth characteristics and physiological processes of C3 species such as Phragmites, potentially altering their
herbicide tolerance. We examined this relationship in a greenhouse experiment. Haplotypes I and M were grown
under elevated (700 ppm, 22/34 ⁰C) or ambient (390 ppm CO2, 18/30 ⁰C) climate conditions for six weeks, before
being treated with glyphosate (0.5 lb.-a.i. per acre). Morphological and photosynthetic characteristics were
measured prior to herbicide application. Visual injury symptoms were recorded weekly for 30 days, before height,
stem number, and aboveground biomass were measured. Plants regrew for another 30 days before height, stem
number, and biomass were measured. Haplotype I showed fewer stress responses to glyphosate treatment under
elevated climate conditions, while the response of haplotype M to treatment was largely unaffected by climate.
CHANGING THE “HACK AND SQUIRT” PARADIGM FOR WOODY, INVASIVE PLANT
CONTROL (STUDENT PRESENTATION)
1Cody A. Lastinger and
2Stephen F. Enloe
University of Florida, Department of Agronomy, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Gainesville, Florida; 1(863) 581-5033, [email protected];
2(352) 392-6841, [email protected]
BIO: Cody Lastinger is a Ph.D. student in the Agronomy Department at the University of Florida. His research is
in invasive weed management, with a focus on Brazilian peppertree control in Florida mangrove communities
under the direction of Dr. Stephen Enloe. Cody received his M.S. from the Agronomy Department at the
University of Florida in August 2015, in Weed Science with a focus in pasture weed management under the
direction of Dr. Brent Sellers. He was born and raised in Lakeland Florida, and attended Florida Southern College
receiving a B.S. in citrus production in May of 2015.
ABSTRACT: Hack and squirt is a commonly used approach for woody plant control in forestry, rights of ways,
and natural areas. The approach is highly selective as a series of hacks are generally made either continuously or
semi-continuously around the trunk of a tree with a hatchet or machete and an herbicide solution is injected into
each hack. Our goal was to determine if we could reduce the number of hacks on both single stem and multiple
stem species to a single hack per stem at a height of 75 cm, reducing the time and energy to treat each and still
achieve acceptable control. We compared aminopyralid and aminocyclopyrachlor (0.5 ml of 100 % v/v herbicide)
injected into a single hack per stem on nine different invasive woody plant species. We compared these to both
basal bark treatment with triclopyr ester (20% v/v) and cut stump treatment with triclopyr amine (50% v/v). Data
collected included time to treat each individual plant, the amount of herbicide used, and percent canopy
defoliation. Species were treated in individual studies, and blocked by size (diameter at breast height) with three
size classes <4, 4 to8, 8 to 12 inches DBH. This presentation will focus on 8 species: Casuarina equisetifolia,
Vernicia fordii, Triadica sebifera, Bischofia javanica, Leucaena leucocephala, Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Eugenia uniflora, and Schinus terebinthifolius. Aminopyralid was not different from either the aminocyclopyra-
10 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
chlor or cut stump treatments on Casuarina, Bischofia, Vernicia, Triadica, Schinus, and Leucaena. Basal bark
treatments provided significantly less control on all species, except Casuarina, Leucaena, and Schinus when
compared to aminocyclopyrachlor and cut stump treatments. On Triadica, Bischofia, Eugenia, and Vernicia, basal
bark treatment resulted in less defoliation in the 8 to 12 inch DBH size class than in the two smaller size classes.
Similar results were observed on Triadica, Bischofia, Leucaena, and Melaleuca tree from aminopyralid and on
Leucaena from aminocyclopyrachlor. The studies will be continued through the second growing season following
treatment to determine tree mortality. However, our current data suggests that this reduced hack and squirt
approach may be a viable alternative to basal bark and cut stump treatments.
Thursday, April 13, SESSION III – Moderator: Gwen Burzycki
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION (FWC) INVASIVE
PLANT MANAGEMENT SECTION (IPMS) STATUS UPDATE FOR CURRENT
TREATMENT PROCEDURES
John M. Kunzer, Biologist, FWC IPMS, Tallahassee FL, 850-617-9420, [email protected]
BIO: John Kunzer is the FWC/IPMS-Uplands north region coordinator and Chief TIERS Administrator. He holds
an AS in Professional Photography and a BS in Biological Science, and spent 6 years at the University of South
Florida Herbarium. He was the Park Biologist for Tomoka State Park from 2009 to 2012, and has been with
FWC/IPMS since 2012. John has been with the Uplands subsection of FWC/IPMS since December of 2015.
ABSTRACT: We will present information on our program, specifically why we don’t currently treat certain
species, and other species we’ll only treat under the condition that the Site Manager has to agree to a requisite set
of steps before and/or after the treatment, depending on the conditional species. We also want to quickly address
some misidentification issues that are a common problem in EDDMaps, specifically the “Pampasgrass”
conundrum and Albizia julibrissin vs. Leucaena leucocephala.
CANE GRASSES OF FLORIDA – A NEW ID GUIDE
Candice M. Prince1 and Greg MacDonald
2
1 Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 321-446-1035,
[email protected] ; 2 Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 352-294-1594
BIO: Candice Prince is a Ph.D. student in the Environmental Horticulture Department at the University of
Florida. Her research focuses on the response of invasive grasses to environmental change, and how these
responses impact management. Candice also received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Florida in
2014, majoring in Plant Science with an emphasis on Restoration Horticulture.
BIO: Greg MacDonald is a professor of Weed Science/Agronomy and teaches undergraduate and several
graduate weed science and crop production courses, including on-line distance education courses. He investigates
the physiology, ecology and management of invasive species, focusing on perennial grasses – cogongrass, in
particular. He also conducts research on the physiological aspects of herbicides in aquatic systems and
mechanisms of herbicide resistance in aquatic plants. In addition to research on invasive species, he is actively
involved in international development with an emphasis on peanut production, utilization, and value added
marketing.
11FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
ABSTRACT: Non-native grasses pose severe threats to a wide range of habitat types in the state of Florida, but
correct identification of these species can be challenging due to the unique morphological features of the grass
family. This is particularly true for the large-statured cane species, which have very similar physical
characteristics, especially between desirable native grasses and non-native exotic grass species. In this workshop,
we will discuss the identifying features for several of the common native and exotic cane grasses that can be
found in the state of Florida, such as Burma reed, common reed, and giant bristlegrass. These species are featured
in a new FLEPPC-funded identification guide (Cane Grasses of Florida), which will be freely available at this
workshop. Management of these grasses will also be discussed.
INVASIVE GRASSES OF FLORIDA AND THEIR NATIVE LOOK-ALIKES: A GRASS
IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP
Erick Revuelta, Compliance Coordinator, Jacksonville & Palatka Service Centers, St. Johns River Water
Management District, 386-643-1933; [email protected]
BIO: Erick Revuelta has been involved with invasive plant management and research as a land manager,
consultant and regulator. He has worked as a field botanist in projects throughout the State of Florida. He has also
co-lead several field identification workshops focused on the grasses, sedges and rushes of Everglades National
Park. At the St. Johns River Water Management District, he is a compliance coordinator and provides technical
support and internal botanical trainings/workshops for District staff.
ABSTRACT: With 447 species, Poaceae is the largest plant family in Florida. Over 40% of all the grasses in the
State are exotic and 16 are designated as invasive by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPCC). Many of
these invasive species are notoriously difficult to manage and their successful eradication often depends on early
detection and treatment. As a result, a land manager’s ability to recognize a particular species is a crucial skill.
The large number of grasses, their unique adaptations, reduction and intricacy of their flowering parts, and ability
to intergrade or hybridize, make identification a difficult task. Successful identification of a grass plant relies on
the researcher’s familiarity with their vegetative morphology, in particular the characteristics and nomenclature of
the structures associated with the grass inflorescence. This presentation will provide an overview of relevant
taxonomic terms and grass morphology, followed by a review of ten of the 16 invasive species listed by FLEPCC
that are most often confused with natives with an emphasis on how to tell them apart. Fresh and pressed
specimens will be examined. A few widespread exotic grass species that are not designated as invasive will be
covered as well.
Thursday, April 13, SESSION IV – Moderator: Jimmy Lange
THE EVERGLADES COOPERATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT AREA
EXPERIENCE
Antonio J. Pernas, Botanist, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, Florida, 239-695-1111,
[email protected]; Dennis J. Giardina, Everglades Region Biologist, Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, Invasive Plant Management Section, Naples, FL, 239-229-5403,
BIO: Tony Pernas’ career has focused on invasive plant and animal management. He started in 1988 as a
Resource Management Specialist with the US National Park Service at Big Cypress National Preserve in south
Florida. From 1999 to 2000 he worked as the Supervisory Botanist for Everglades National Park. In 2000 he was
12 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
instrumental in establishing the Florida/Caribbean Exotic Plant Management Team. He served as the team’s
coordinator since its inception until August, 2015 when he began his current position as Botanist of Big Cypress
National Preserve.
BIO: Dennis Giardina’s career has focused on endangered species recovery and exotic species control for 27
years. He began in 1989 as a wildlife technician with the US Forest Service at the Caribbean National Forest,
working on the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery. From 1991 to 1996 he worked as a forestry technician at St. Marks
National Wildlife Refuge, restoring long leaf pine ecosystems, and from 1996 to 2005 he worked as a biological
science technician at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge with a variety of endangered and invasive exotic
species. From 2005 to 2008 he was the Park Manager of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park before accepting
his current position of Everglades Region Biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Since 2008, he has been the Co-Chair of Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA)
and from 2012 to 2014 he was the Chair of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.
ABSTRACT: Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) is a formal partnership of
federal, state and local government agencies and private, public and tribal land managers who also manage
invasive species. ECISMA’s geographical boundary encompasses the Everglades Protection Area, the Everglades
Agricultural Area and all or part Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties. The Greater
Everglades is a naturally diverse, dynamic system that hosts a growing number of invasive exotic plants and
animals. The frequent detection of new invasive species over the past decade has inspired a commitment by the
partners of ECISMA to cooperate across their borders to eradicate or contain them. A lot has been accomplished,
much has been learned and this presentation will provide an update on ECISMA’s early detection/rapid response
efforts, its ongoing management activities and the increasing level of support provided by the Friends of
ECISMA, a not-for-profit organization.
THE CENTRAL FLORIDA LYGODIUM STRATEGY – WHERE ARE WE WITH
LYGODIUM MICROPHYLLUM AND WHAT’S NEXT?
Cheryl B. Millett1, Tony Cintron
2
1 The Nature Conservancy, Babson Park, FL, [email protected] ;
2Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, Orlando, FL, [email protected]
BIO: Cheryl Millett is a Biologist with the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy at Tiger Creek Preserve.
She has led landscape-scale partnership projects, including Jay Watch (now run by Florida Audubon), Python
Patrol (now run by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), the Ocala Longleaf Local
Implementation Team, and the Heartland Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area.
ABSTRACT: The Central Florida Lygodium Strategy has been led by The Nature Conservancy as a public-
private partnership to stop the northward spread of Old World climbing fern while waiting for biocontrol or other
advances to bolster control. The effort has involved increasing awareness and surveys on the northern edge of
Lygodium microphyllum’s distribution to find it. It has involved prioritizing treatment on public lands and partner
funding for treatment on private lands to kill it. And to measure success, partners have monitored sentinel sites
along the northern edge. In the wake of recent years with prolonged wet weather that has delayed access to treat
infestations, mild winters that have allowed the plant to grow year-round, and Hurricane Matthew, the strategy
faces a crossroads. Find out how well this strategy has worked, the current status, how biocontrols are helping, the
future direction, and lessons learned.
13FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
AN UPDATE FROM THE UF/IFAS ASSESSMENT OF NON-NATIVE PLANTS IN
FLORIDA’S NATURAL AREAS
Deah Lieurance1 and S. Luke Flory
2
1Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, [email protected];
2Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, [email protected]
BIO: Deah Lieurance has been the coordinator of the UF/IFAS Assessment since 2013. In the past 4 years, she
helped redesign the Assessment website and added approximately 100 species to the species database. Deah
received her Ph.D from Wright State University in 2012 and spent 3 years in Ft. Lauderdale at the USDA Invasive
Plant Research Laboratory participating in research on the biocontrol of Melaleuca and Schinus. She previously
served on the FLEPPC board of directors and currently serves as the chair of the legislative committee.
ABSTRACT: To reduce the introduction, spread, and impacts of invasive plants, the UF/IFAS Assessment is
used to evaluate the invasion risk of non-native plants in Florida that are 1) already present in the state, 2)
proposed for introduction, or 3) new cultivars proposed for release. The results of the UF/IFAS Assessment and
outreach efforts help to ensure that plant species with invasive characteristics are not recommended for use by the
University of Florida (UF), state and federal agencies, or the general public. This, in turn, decreases the potential
for invasions into natural areas and croplands throughout the Southeast region. Recommendations made by the
UF/IFAS Assessment are transparent and available at assessment.ifas.ufl.edu. Since the Assessment was first
implemented, 857 non-native plant species have been evaluated. This past year 163 species were re-assessed with
the Status Assessment, 58 species were evaluated with the Predictive Tool, 5 cultivars were evaluated with the
Infraspecific Taxon Protocol, and 7 new species were added to the database. Adding new species and updating the
conclusions for assessments on the UF/IFAS Assessment web site is ongoing and we continue to conduct re-
assessments for species when new information becomes available.
EDDMAPS PRO – A NEW APP FOR PROFESSIONALS TO COLLECT INVASIVE SPECIES
Chuck Bargeron, Associate Director, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, University of Georgia,
Tifton, GA 31793, 229-386-3289, [email protected]
BIO: Chuck has been with the University of Georgia for 18 years where his work focuses on invasive species and
information technology. He has a B.S. and M.S in Computer Science. Websites that he designed have been
featured twice in Science Magazine and have received over 1.7 billion hits since 2002. Chuck developed the
infrastructure behind Bugwood Images which runs the ForestryImages.org and Invasive.org websites. Recently,
Chuck has focused on mapping invasive species and tools for Early Detection and Rapid Response using
EDDMapS and smartphone applications. He has led development of 26 smartphone applications including the
first apps for the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. He was appointed to the National Invasive
Species Advisory Council in 2013 and elected as Vice-Chair in 2016. Chuck has been an invited speaker at over
80 regional and national conferences and co-authored over 20 journal articles and outreach publications.
ABSTRACT: EDDMapS Pro is a new smartphone app that leverages existing resources, such as the EDDMapS
website and IveGot1, to allow land managers to track and monitor invasive plants infestations and treatments
without cellular connectivity. Specifically, it is focused on four critical features currently missing from
EDDMapS:
1. Ability to select an area of interest on a map through a web interface and download both the satellite
imagery and EDDMapS points/polygons to their smartphones and tablets
14 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
2. Ability to view existing infestations (with background imagery) from smartphones and tablets where both
the infestations and current location are displayed when users don’t have cellular connectivity
3. Ability add new infestations including drawing polygons (with background imagery available) from a
smartphone or tablet when users don’t have cellular connectivity and sync back to EDDMapS when
devices are back on cellular or WiFi connectivity
4. Ability to revisit/update existing infestations sites with treatment or size expansion/reduction from a
smartphone or tablet when users don’t have cellular connectivity and sync back to EDDMapS when
devices are back on cellular or WiFi connectivity
EDDMapS Pro is an advanced version of the existing apps focused on implementing these much needed and
requested features.
Thursday, April 13, SESSION V – Field Trips or FISP/CISMA Session (CONCURRENT)
Friday, April 14, SESSION VI – Moderator: Karen Brown
EXOTIC PLANT PREVENTION: ASSESSING THE INVASION RISK ASSOCIATED WITH
SHIPPING CONTAINERS ENTERING THE PORT OF SAVANNAH
Chelsea Cunard1, Kevin Burgess
2, Jarron Gravesande
1, Travis Marsico
1, Jennifer Reed
1, Lauren Whitehurst
2, and
Rima Lucardi3
1Arkansas State University, Dept. of Biological Sciences, and Arkansas State University Herbarium (STAR),
State University, AR; [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]; 2Columbus State University, Dept. of Biology, Columbus, GA;
[email protected], [email protected]; 3USDA Forest Service, Southern
Research Station, Athens, GA; [email protected]
BIO: Chelsea Cunard is a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Biological Sciences at Arkansas
State University in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Her research focuses
on invasive plant ecology and she is most interested in performing studies with an applied/management aspect.
Her broad interests include community ecology, population ecology, forest ecology, conservation and restoration.
ABSTRACT: Invasive plant species decrease local native plant richness and abundance as well as shift
ecosystem function and services. Due to the well-known, negative effects of invasive plant species, costs
associated with the control and eradication of invasive plant populations continue to increase. Preventing the
establishment and spread of invasive plant species may be a cost-effective alternative to long-term management in
asset-based protection. Global trade is directly related to the diversity and abundance of invasive species and over
90% of economic trade utilizes sea-transportation (shipping). In our novel study, we examined patterns in the
number of seeds arriving on shipping containers containing agricultural commodities at the Port of Savannah
(GA), the fourth-busiest container terminal in the United States. We sampled refrigerated shipping containers bi-
weekly through a two-year period. Seeds were counted and sorted by type. We expected to find variance across
month with regard to the number of seeds arriving into this gateway. In year-one there was a significant difference
in the average number of seeds and seed types coming in across months analyzed, and we expect this result also in
year-two. Along with seed quantity, germination rate and species identification are also being assessed to identify
and determine the diversity of incoming propagules, and the proportion of seeds that may be a threat to the
southern region of the United States. The goal of this research is to provide data on the entry of exotic seeds into
the United States to allow regulatory agencies to improve rates of interception and policy with regard to non-
native plant propagules entering the nation.
15FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
CURRENT STATUS OF HERBICIDE RESISTANCE IN NON-CROP AREAS
Fred M. Fishel, Professor, Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL,
352-392-4721, [email protected]
BIO: Dr. Fred Fishel is Professor of Agronomy and Director, Pesticide Information Office, University of
Florida/IFAS since 2005. His primary responsibility is developing study materials and certification exams for
applicators of restricted use pesticides to meet state licensing requirements. Other responsibilities reside in
developing general pesticide education materials and support of county extension agent programming on the local
level. He teaches a graduate level course, IPM 5305, “Principles of Pesticides” each spring semester. Prior to this
current position, Dr. Fishel had been in a similar position at the University of Missouri - Columbia since 1993.
ABSTRACT: The International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds is a collaborative effort between weed
scientists in over 80 countries. Their main objective is to maintain scientific accuracy in the reporting of herbicide
resistant weeds globally. Users of their website may query reports of herbicide resistant weeds sorted by weed
species, herbicide site of action, crop or site, U.S. state, and country. If searched by site, the user is presented with
several choices for sorting non-crop terrestrial sites, including fallow, fencelines, forests, industrial sites, railways,
and roadsides. Because there are relatively few herbicide active ingredients registered in Florida for use on non-
crop sites, such as natural areas and rights-of-way, managing for prevention of herbicide resistance is paramount.
Of the most common active ingredients applied to such sites, there are even fewer modes of action available,
making resistance management difficult. Annual cropping systems have the luxury of more herbicide active
ingredient options to manage resistance due to crop rotation, thus active ingredient rotation on a regular basis. At
the present time, there are few accounts of herbicide resistance in Florida on non-crop terrestrial sites, at least
confirmed. A global perspective of the current status of herbicide resistance on non-crop terrestrial sites will be
described.
BROAD-SCALE HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS TO CONTROL JAPANESE CLIMBING FERN
REPRODUCTION AND GROWTH ACROSS FLORIDA’S CLIMATIC ZONES
Candice M. Prince1 and Greg MacDonald
2
1Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 321-446-1035,
[email protected] ; 2 Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 352-294-1594
BIO: Candice Prince is a Ph.D. student in the Environmental Horticulture Department at the University of
Florida. Her research focuses on the response of invasive grasses to environmental change, and how these
responses impact management. Candice also received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Florida in
2014, majoring in Plant Science with an emphasis on Restoration Horticulture.
ABSTRACT: Herbicide recommendations for invasive species have primarily been based on effective control of
mature plants without a greater understanding of reproduction. In this study, we evaluated phenological
differences in the reproductive development of Japanese climbing fern growing across different climatic zones of
Florida in 2015 and 2016. We concurrently evaluated whether specific herbicide treatments and variations in
herbicide application timing could be used to restrict spore development of Japanese climbing fern. We evaluated
two herbicides (glyphosate and metsulfuron methyl) applied alone and in combination during three periods from
July to September, representing different developmental stages of spore reproduction. Due to the earlier
observation of spore development in southern locations, we added earlier herbicide application timing in 2016.
Spore development occurred in southern Florida by early June, but in central Florida and the panhandle mature
sporangia were observed in mid-July and early August of 2015. Similar results were observed in 2016 across
16 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
locations. Herbicides were applied using directed backpack sprayers on large plots or patches of sporulating fern
fronds. Fronds were collected 3-4 weeks after herbicide application and evaluated for spore number and spore
viability/gametophyte development. In 2015, herbicide treatments showed variable results on spore number and
germination across locations, possibly confounded by weather events following application. Gametophyte
development was similar at both the western panhandle and central Florida sites and all herbicide treatments
resulted in significantly lower gametophyte growth. Herbicide applications and frond collection has been
completed in 2016 and evaluation of spore phenology is ongoing.
CLONAL INTEGRATION ENHANCES PERFORMANCE IN A HIGHLY INVASIVE GRASS
James A. Estrada1, Chris H. Wilson
2, and S. Luke Flory
1
1Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 352-294-159, [email protected]; 352-294-1593,
[email protected]; 2School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
BIO: James Estrada is a Ph.D. candidate in the Agronomy Department at the University of Florida. His research
focuses on the mechanism and impacts of non-native plant invasions, with particular emphasis on cogongrass
invasion dynamics. James’ research is funded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
mini-grant program.
ABSTRACT: Identifying life-history traits that promote invasiveness is critical to improving our ability to
predict future invaders and protect vulnerable habitats. Clonal traits, such as clonal integration, are frequently
cited to explain the invasiveness of highly successful clonal plants. Clonal integration, or the translocation of
nutrients, water, or photosynthates from parent to daughter ramets, may increase the persistence of daughter
ramets in adverse environmental conditions, improve population performance and persistence, and allow clones to
expand more rapidly than non-clonal plants. However, clonal integration is not ubiquitous among all clonal plants
and its role in invasion success is often unknown. To investigate whether photosynthate integration occurs in the
highly invasive cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), we exposed parent ramets to an enriched atmosphere of 13
CO2
and collected daughter ramet leaves and rhizomes for isotopic analysis. To determine whether 1) the performance
of daughter ramets was enhanced by photosynthate translocation and 2) ramets experiencing adverse
environmental conditions benefitted more from transferred resources, we manipulated rhizome attachment (intact
or severed) and light availability (full sun or 60% shade) in a factorial design. Our results indicate conclusively
that photosynthate translocation occurs in cogongrass. Daughter rhizome and leaf δ13
C values were enriched by an
average of 785% and 61% over pre-labeling baselines across both light treatments. Photosynthate transfer came at
no perceptible performance cost to parent ramets, but significantly enhanced daughter plant tiller production, fine
root biomass, and total belowground biomass. Thus, photosynthate integration may contribute to the invasion
success of cogongrass by maximizing individual fitness and by extension population-level performance. Although
we expected daughter ramets in the shade treatment to benefit relatively more from photosynthate translocation,
our data (tillers added post-severing) were inconclusive due to high uncertainty in effect size. More broadly, our
results demonstrate the significant benefits that clonal traits can provide to invasive species.
Friday, April 14, SESSION VI – Moderator: Kelli Gladding
THE GALL MIDGE ORSEOLIA JAVANICA (DIPTERA: CECIDOMYIIDAE), A
CANDIDATE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT OF COGONGRASS (IMPERATA
CYLINDRICA)
17FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
James P. Cuda1, William A. Overholt
2, and Purnama Hidayat
3
1Entomology & Nematology Department, Charles Steinmetz Hall, UF/ IFAS, Gainesville, FL, 352-273-3921,
[email protected]; 2Biological Control Research & Containment Laboratory, Indian River REC, UF/ IFAS, Ft.
Pierce, FL, 772-468-3922, [email protected]; 3Department of Plant Protection, Bogor Agricultural University. Jl.
Kamper, IPB Campus Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia, +62 251 8629-363, [email protected]
BIO: Dr. James P. Cuda is a Professor and Fulbright Scholar in the Department of Entomology and Nematology
at the University of Florida. His research focuses on the discovery, identification and development of host-
specific arthropods for biological control of invasive weeds infesting Florida’s agricultural lands, natural areas
and aquatic systems. Dr. Cuda also teaches an upper level undergraduate/graduate level course on invasive
species and is an affiliate faculty member for the Center of Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
ABSTRACT: Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv.; Poaceae) is a federal listed noxious weed that
occurs in Florida and other southeastern states. This invasive grass infests cattle pastures, golf courses, lawns, and
also thrives in poor soil conditions such as ditch banks, road side and railroad rights-of-way as well as reclaimed
phosphate mining areas. Control of cogongrass relies primarily on mowing and the application of chemical
herbicides. For example, in 2009 the state of Alabama dedicated $6.3 million of federal stimulus funds
exclusively for chemical control of this invasive weed. Biological control using natural enemies from the native
range of cogongrass has received little attention and no biological control agents have been introduced anywhere
in the world. A review of the literature on natural enemies of cogongrass identified several insect herbivores from
the native range. One of these is an Indonesian gall midge Orseolia javanica Kieffer and van Leeuwen-
Reijinvaan (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). From 2015 to 2016, surveys were conducted at several locations in Central
and West Java, Indonesia where O. javanica galls were discovered. Midge galls were abundant along levees
separating rice paddies in the Cianjur District. Larval feeding induces the formation of linear galls in which one
larva develops. Published results of limited host range testing with cultivated and wild rice, corn, sorghum and
two other non-cultivated grasses showed midges survived only in cogongrass. The introduction of O. javanica and
other host-specific natural enemies into Florida can selectively stress/ weaken cogongrass, and make it less
competitive. Biological control also can be integrated with other control methods to provide a sustainable IPM
solution to the cogongrass problem.
OBSERVATIONS OF THE KALANCHOE SPECIES FOUND ALONG FLORIDA’S EAST
COAST
Gregory Jubinsky, Invasive Plant Field Scientist. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, Florida,
850-766-5235, [email protected]
BIO: Greg joined Florida Natural Areas Inventory in 2014 after 37 years with the State of Florida, focusing on
aquatic and upland invasive plants with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission. His work took him throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and
Australia. While having served as the chair for the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council from 1997-1999, he has also
been presented with the Florida Native Plant Society’s Green Palmetto award for service towards the preservation
of natural areas in the state, and was also the recipient of the 2010 U.S. Department of Interior’s Cooperative
Conservation Award for the management of Florida’s Upland Invasive Plant Management Program and the
development of Florida’s first statewide natural resource public-private partnership program, the Florida Invasive
Species Partnership (FISP). He earned a B.S. in Limnology from the University of Central Florida with emphasis
on botany and landscape ecology.
18 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
ABSTRACT: Several species of the tropical succulent Kalanchoe have been introduced into Florida from its
native Madagascar for its prized ornamental qualities. The species are typically short-lived succulents that are
becoming invasive and are demonstrating population expansions primarily in dry and arid environments. The
species, also known as “mother of millions”, are autogamous, produce a high number of seeds (more than 16,000
seeds per fruit), reproduces vegetatively (plantlets), have the capability of forming large seed banks, yielding
relatively dense thickets. While this species is currently listed as invasive in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Spain,
Australia, Hawaii and New Caledonia, its current list status in Florida ranks it as Category II. Extracts from K.
daigremontiana shoots have been shown to induce allelopathic responses. The Kalanchoe complex has been
shown to be toxic to domestic animals and wildlife. It also has the potential to alter soil properties, and inhibit the
recruitment of native vegetation. In both Florida and Australia, K. daigremontiana has hybridized with the
species Kalanchoe delagoensis and the resulting hybrid is becoming widespread and considered a pest.
DEVELOPMENT OF TAXONOMIC TOOLS FOR THE SEPARATION OF LUDWIGIA
HEXAPETALA AND LUDWIGIA GRANDIFLORA IN FLORIDA
Colette C. Jacono1, Afsari Banu
2 and Stephen F. Enloe
3
1Colette C. Jacono, Ph.D., Courtesy Research Scientist, Herbarium, Florida Museum, Gainesville, FL,
352-318-2931, [email protected]; 2Graduate Student, [email protected],
3Associate Professor, Center for
Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 352-339-1319; [email protected]
BIO: Dr. Jacono received a Ph.D. from the University of Florida with a dissertation on the seedbank and
regeneration ecology of Scleria lacustris. She has 22 years’ experience with aquatic, invasive plants on national
and regional levels, has taught an undergraduate course on Florida invasive species, and for the past 11 years has
been an active contributor to the FLEPPC Plant Listing Committee. She works through an appointment with the
Florida Museum and the UF Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Her core research interests focus on practical
problems in the taxonomy and ecology of species in our unique aquatic ecosystems.
ABSTRACT: Results of chromosomal and morphological studies on five geographically representative
accessions of primrosewillow support the recognition of L. hexapetala and L. grandiflora as separate and distinct
species in Florida. A robust discriminant analysis of eight flower and several leaf characters from hundreds of
field and common garden samples consistently demonstrated a wide and significant separation between L.
hexapetala and L. grandiflora. Discriminate methods identified the morphological characters driving the
differences between the species, most of which have direct use in the identification of field samples. Significant
distinction was also found between three different morphological entities within L. grandiflora. These stable
morpho-types are observed to display different ecologies. Molecular tools are well into development as isolation
procedures have been customized for the extraction of high quality nuclear DNA. Illumina sequencing products
from L. hexapetala and L. grandiflora are providing the basis for identifying microsatellites. The microsatellite
tools will be discussed in relation to their ability to separate species, identify sterile material, and infer
relationships especially among our assemblage of 50 living accessions which encompass the distribution of
invasive primrosewillow in Florida and the southeastern U.S.
DECONTAMINATION: AN INVASIVE WEED EDRR TOOL TOO OFTEN OVERLOOKED
Gregory Jubinsky, Invasive Plant Field Scientist, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 1018 Thomasville Road,
Suite 200C, Tallahassee, Florida, 850-766-5235, [email protected]
BIO: Greg joined Florida Natural Areas Inventory in 2014 after 37 years with the State of Florida, focusing on
aquatic and upland invasive plants with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish and Wildlife
19FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
Conservation Commission. His work took him throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and
Australia. While having served as the chair for the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council from 1997-1999, he has also
been presented with the Florida Native Plant Society’s Green Palmetto award for service towards the preservation
of natural areas in the state, and was also the recipient of the 2010 U.S. Department of Interior’s Cooperative
Conservation Award for the management of Florida’s Upland Invasive Plant Management Program and the
development of Florida’s first statewide natural resource public-private partnership program, the Florida Invasive
Species Partnership (FISP). He earned a B.S. in Limnology from the University of Central Florida with emphasis
on botany and landscape ecology.
ABSTRACT: Many invasive plant contracts on public conservation lands in Florida contain language that
address the role of the land manager’s responsibility to assure that contractor’s equipment and personnel are
“sanitized” prior to entering the project area. While some contracts suggest that the contractor submit a plan to the
site manager for approval, this is rarely done. Unfortunately, decontamination protocols and their subsequent
implementation are often not given the much-deserved attention needed. Information will be presented that
addresses a suite of common-sense considerations that should be evaluated for an effective program.
20 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
ABSTRACTS – POSTER PRESENTATIONS
(in alphabetical order)
EFFECTIVE APPLICATION OF STERILE CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT TO LIMIT
INVASIVE ORNAMENTAL PLANT IMPACT: PRODUCER-DRIVEN RESEARCH IN THE
SOUTHEASTERN US (STUDENT POSTER)
Allison L. Bechtloff 1, Carrie Reinhardt Adams
2, Sandra B. Wilson
3, and Zhanao Deng
4
1 Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; 386-405-3377;
[email protected]; 2 Restoration and Plant Ecology Lab – Environmental Horticulture Department, University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL; 352-273-4502 [email protected]; 3 Environmental Horticulture Department, University
of Florida, Gainesville, FL; 352-273-4576 [email protected]; 4 Environmental Horticulture Department,
University of Florida Gulf Coast Research & Education Center, Wimauma, FL; [email protected]
BIO: Allison Bechtloff is a Master’s student in the Environmental Horticulture Department at the University of
Florida. Her undergraduate research focused on exotic and native plant relationships in salt marshes and she
currently works for the Restoration and Plant Ecology lab. Allison is minoring in Agricultural Education and
Communication and plans to join the extension service after graduation. She is the Treasurer of the Environmental
Horticulture Graduate Student Association and volunteers with the Florida Association of Native Nurseries.
Allison hopes to use her research and education to help communities and growers implement best management
practices to sustain natural ecosystems.
ABSTRACT: While many introduced ornamental plants do not escape cultivation, some plants become
exceptionally adaptable, regenerate prolifically, and eventually invade natural areas. Invasive plant species cost
taxpayers millions annually in management ($100M in Florida alone) and negatively impact the ecosystem
services on which we rely. Consumers are often uninformed of the potential invasive risk some ornamentals have,
despite federal and state listing efforts (e.g. FDACS & FLEPPC), and threat evaluation programs (e.g. IFAS
assessment). A survey of the ornamental nursery industry in the southeastern United States was conducted to
identify nursery sales of five popular ornamentals including Coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata), Chinese privet
(Ligustrum sinense) Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) and
Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex). Businesses ranged all sizes and annual sales, but respondents were mostly
from Florida at 67% (2nd
in the nation in number of invasive plant species present). Respondents expressed a
positive opinion of sterile cultivar research (74%), a need for sterile cultivar research of these species, and a
willingness to sell sterile cultivars once created. Seventy-one percent of the producers were selling Heavenly
Bamboo (Nandina domestica) with 40% later responding that this was the most important plant to analyze for
sterility. Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinsense) emerged as the second most important species to address, as 30% of
respondents listed Chinese privet as their top choice for sterile cultivar development. In response to consumer
demand and the need for safe alternatives, young seedlings of Chinese privet have been induced to form
tetraploids that are currently being screened for sterility, branching habit, and rootability. Given the importance of
these study species to nursery sales, producer interest in selling sterile ornamentals, and the feasibility of
developing sterile cultivars demonstrated here, this work represents a novel effort to limit invasive species prior to
their negative economic and ecosystem impacts.
21FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
IMPACT OF FERTILIZER AND THRIPS FEEDING ON SCHINUS TEREBINTHIFOLIA:
DEVELOPING METHODS FOR MASS REARING THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT
PSEUDOPHILOTHRIPS ICHINI AND ASSESSING AGENT EFFECT ON SEEDLING
BIOMASS
Evan Broggi,* Emily Jones,* and Gregory S. Wheeler
USDA/ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 954-475-6540, [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]
*Authors contributed equally to poster
BIO: Evan Broggi got involved in invasive plant research at the IPRL in Gainesville where he worked under
Susan Wright performing host range testing with Gadirtha fusca. Graduating from the University of Florida with
a degree in biochemistry he now conducts life history and host range testing on new potential biological control
agents for Schinus terebinthifolia under Greg Wheeler at the IPRL in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
BIO: Emily Jones is a Biological Science Technician at the USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Lab in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, where she conducts life history studies and host range testing on potential biological control
agents for Brazilian peppertree and Chinese Tallow under Dr. Greg Wheeler. Prior to working as a technician, she
served for a year as an SCA/AmeriCorps intern at the IPRL. She has a B.A. in Sociology-Anthropology from
Lewis & Clark College, and she hopes to enter a graduate program in ecology.
BIO: Greg Wheeler is a Research Entomologist with the USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Lab in Fort
Lauderdale, FL. Dr Wheeler has been working in classical biological control of Brazilian peppertree, Chinese
tallowtree and several other invasive weeds for more than 20 years in South Florida.
ABSTRACT: Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), is an invasive weed impacting
natural and agricultural areas of Florida, Hawaii, California, and Texas (USA). The thrips Pseudophilothrips
ichini (Hood) was recently recommended for release by USDA/APHIS/Technical Advisory Group for biological
control of this invasive weed. In order to develop an efficient mass rearing program for this beneficial species, we
assessed plant growth and demography at various fertilizer levels and the impact of 20 adult thrips and their
offspring on the biomass of seedlings grown at these levels. The results of this study will also help estimate the
damage caused by thrips feeding in the field. Twenty-four Brazilian peppertree seedlings were fertilized at one of
three concentrations: 0 (water only), medium (half the label recommended strength), and high (the label
recommended strength). Five plants at each concentration were infested with 20 adult thrips. Adults were
removed when 2nd instar larvae appeared, and after development, the new generation of adults was removed and
counted. Plants grown at the medium fertilizer level produced the greatest number of adult F1 thrips (low: 8.2;
medium: 216.8; high: 75.4 thrips/plant). Plant demographics were measured prior to infestation and following
removal of all F1 thrips. Fertilizer level and thrips feeding had significant effects on most demographics,
including stem height and number of branches, leaflets, leaves, and living tips. While both fertilizer and feeding
also had significant effects on root and branch biomass, only fertilizer had an effect on stem, leaves, and total
biomass. These results indicate that the medium fertilizer level is optimal for thrips production, and that thrips
feeding reduces most plant demographics observed on plants grown at all concentrations. However, further study
is needed to assess the effect of multiple generations of thrips on these parameters and to determine the potential
of multiple generations to decrease the total biomass of seedlings.
22 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
EXOTIC PLANTS ACROSS THE GLOBE: INVESTIGATING CHANGES IN COMPOSITION
OF THE EXOTIC PLANT COMMUNITY ENTERING THE PORT OF SAVANNAH
(STUDENT POSTER)
Jarron Gravesande1,3
, Chelsea Cunard1,3
, Kevin Burgess2, Travis Marsico
1, Jennifer Reed
1, Lauren Whitehurst
2,
and Rima Lucardi3
1Arkansas State University, Dept. of Biological Sciences, and Arkansas State University Herbarium (STAR),
State University, AR. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]; 2Columbus State University, Dept. of Biology, Columbus, GA;
[email protected], [email protected]; 3USDA Forest Service, Southern
Research Station, 320 Green Street, Athens, GA; [email protected]
BIO: Jarron Gravesande is an undergraduate research associate employed by the Department of Biological
Sciences at Arkansas State University and conducts his duties in cooperation with and at the USDA Forest
Service, Southern Research Station laboratory in Athens, GA. He is currently a student at the University of
Georgia pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Spanish. His main topics of interest include
research microbiology, forest ecology, mycology, and the study of Romance languages and culture.
ABSTRACT: The United States sits at the pinnacle of global trade and US import volumes continue to
accelerate. The introduction of invasive species into the nation remains a constant threat. The ecosystems of the
US have suffered from the introduction of exotic organisms. A myriad of invasive plant species has diminished
the diversity and abundance of native plant and wildlife species through resource competition and lack of natural
enemies. Due to the absence of population control factors and the wide variety of invasive species coming into the
United States, the costs of the maintenance of native ecosystems and the control of invasive plant species’
populations are substantial high. Considering 90% of global trade is sea trade and the Port of Savannah is the 4th
busiest port in the nation, we conducted research to determine the quantity and frequency of seeds cryptically
entering the US through Savannah. We collected ample and representative sample size of seeds from refrigerated
shipping containers. During a two-year period, seeds were collected biweekly from the exterior of containers
during the seasonal flux of our target commodity. These seeds were later analyzed, counted and sorted into
different morphological-type classes. Statistical analyses were performed to explore patterns in seed
morphological diversity and composition throughout the two-year period to show significant patterns. In year one,
seed community composition was significantly associated with the month of sampling, suggesting that the type of
exotic seeds entering the Port of Savannah changed during the season, potentially due to species specific
phenology of plants in the southern hemisphere. There are current regulatory systems in place to intercept a very
small proportion of invasive plant species that enter the United States through seaports. Developing a research-
based understanding of seasonal patterns in exotic plant species entering the US can be useful in providing data to
regulatory agencies to consider policy modifications based on our findings. These results could be used to more
efficiently manage and increase interceptions of invasive plant species entering the country.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF PLOIDY LEVEL IN THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF
SOUTHEASTERN COGONGRASS (IMPERATA CYLINDRICA) POPULATIONS
(STUDENT POSTER)
Adina Y. Grossman1, Greg E. MacDonald
1, Candice M. Prince
2, Rima Lucardi
3
1Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; 305-766-2663; [email protected],
[email protected]; 2Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL;
[email protected]; 3Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Athens, GA; [email protected]
23FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
BIO: Adina Grossman is a second year student at the University of Florida. She is pursuing her Bachelors of
Science in Plant Science, and specializing in Plant Genetics. She has conducted research with the MacDonald lab
in the Department of Agronomy since 2016. Her field of interest is the breeding of agronomic crops to develop
sustainable and affordable produce for the world’s growing population.
ABSTRACT: Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a fast-growing perennial weed in tropical and subtropical
climates. It is able to tolerate drought, fire, and poor soils. Cogongrass is a prolific seed producer, and also grows
vegetatively from a vast rhizome system. Monitoring and management for cogongrass is a challenge in the
southeastern United States, where the species has become one of the top invaders in pine forests and rangeland
systems. There’s a high degree of variability in the Imperata genus worldwide, although little is known about the
genetic variability of cogongrass in the United States. Understanding the genetic diversity of cogongrass in this
region will help determine how the species genetic composition is influencing its ability to adapt to environmental
change. The goal of this research is to characterize cogongrass diversity in the southeastern United States in terms
of chromosome number and ploidy level. To this end, cogongrass rhizomes were collected from different
populations throughout the southeast and grown in a common garden environment in Gainesville. Cytological
staining techniques were utilized to visually count the chromosome number, and flow cytometry was used to
determine the ploidy levels of individuals from each population. By providing information on the chromosome
number and ploidy levels of cogongrass in the southeast, this research will help support current efforts to
understand the genetic diversity of cogongrass in the broader United States as well as worldwide.
THE ROLE OF DEFOLIATING GEOMETRIDAE CATERPILLARS AS POTENTIAL
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS OF SCHINUS TEREBINTHIFOLIA
Emily Jones,*1 Evan Broggi,*
1 and Gregory S. Wheeler
1
1 USDA/ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, (954) 475-6540,
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
*Authors contributed equally to poster
BIO: Emily Jones is a Biological Science Technician at the USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Lab in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, where she conducts life history studies and host range testing on potential biological control
agents for Brazilian peppertree and Chinese tallow under Dr. Greg Wheeler. Prior to working as a technician, she
served for a year as an SCA/AmeriCorps intern at the IPRL. She has a B.A. in Sociology-Anthropology from
Lewis & Clark College, and she hopes to enter a graduate program in ecology.
BIO: Evan Broggi got involved in invasive plant research at the IPRL in Gainesville where he worked under
Susan Wright performing host range testing with Gadirtha fusca. Graduating from the University of Florida with
a degree in biochemistry he now conducts life history and host range testing on new potential biological control
agents for Schinus terebinthifolia under Greg Wheeler at the IPRL in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
BIO: Greg Wheeler is a Research Entomologist with the USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Lab in Fort
Lauderdale, FL. Dr Wheeler has been working in classical biological control of Brazilian peppertree, Chinese
tallowtree and several other invasive weeds for more than 20 years in South Florida.
ABSTRACT: Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) is a fast-growing invasive species that decreases the
biodiversity of native plants in its invasive range. Because mechanical and chemical means of control prove to be
costly and time consuming, classical biological control is being considered as an ecologically sound and cost-
effective supplement to these methods. In Schinus' native range, the weed is estimated to be consumed by more
than 150 phytophagous species. Of the many insect families observed feeding on Schinus, numerous species of
24 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
Geometridae (Lepidoptera) have been recorded. The Geometridae are the second largest family of Lepidoptera,
consisting of approximately 23,000 species. As defoliators, geometrid caterpillars carry potential as biological
control agents of weeds. Worldwide, a total of nine geometrids have been released against 6 species of weeds,
including releases in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Four species have established field populations and
have safely damage their respective target weeds to varying degrees. Surveys of Schinus in its native range have
produced approximately 20 geometrid species. Due to the relatively large size of the larvae and their capacity for
severe defoliation of the weed, several species were investigated as potential biological control agents. Four of
these geometrids, Oospila pallidaria, Oxydia vesulia, Hymenomima nr. memor, and Prochoerodes onustaria,
were successfully colonized in quarantine at the IRPL. In order to test their specificity for Schinus, all species
were subjected to no-choice starvation tests involving native and economically valuable members of the
Anacardiaceae. Unfortunately, all species exhibited broad feeding habits and the ability to develop to adulthood
on many of the plants tested. Therefore, these species will not be released as biological control agents on Schinus
in the United States. Foreign exploration for potential agents of Schinus, including members of the Geometridae,
is ongoing.
DO COGONGRASS ACCESSIONS ACROSS FLORIDA RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO
HERBICIDE TREATMENT?
Kate LeGros and Stephen F. Enloe
UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Gainesville, FL; (407) 733-5812; [email protected];
BIO: Kate LeGros recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources and Conservation from the
University of Florida. Kate is interested in the effects of climate change on mixed-conifer forests, fire science and
stand dynamics. She is working in Dr. Enloe’s lab on research projects with upland and aquatic invasive plants
ABSTRACT: Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an invasive C4 grass from Southeast Asia that is problematic
throughout much of Florida. Cogongrass is difficult to manage and many land managers have reported variable
control of different cogongrass patches, even when the same herbicide treatments were applied. To begin to
address this issue of variable control, cogongrass accessions were collected from twelve locations throughout
Florida, including eight peninsular and four panhandle sites. These accessions were propagated for greenhouse
studies at the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants in Gainesville. Two (10 cm) rhizome
sections were planted in 3.8 liter pots in a 50/50 sand/potting media mixed with a complete slow release fertilizer.
Plants were grown for six weeks until well established. Herbicide treatments including glyphosate,
aminocyclopyrachlor, and tank mixes of glyphosate + aminocyclopyrachlor and glyphosate + flumioxazin were
applied with a CO2 pressurized boom sprayer. Shoots were then clipped at 30 days after treatment and shoot
regrowth and rhizomes were harvested at 60 days after treatment. Results demonstrated significant differences
between accessions for shoot height and biomass in the untreated controls. There was also a strong difference in
height and shoot biomass between panhandle versus peninsula sources of cogongrass. However, cogongrass
source had no effect on the biomass response to herbicide treatment. Additionally, there was no significant
interaction between cogongrass source and herbicide treatment. The tank mix of glyphosate +
aminocyclopyrachlor resulted in an 89% reduction in total biomass and was significantly better than either
herbicide alone. These results do not support the notion of inherent differences in herbicide susceptibility among
cogongrass accessions collected across Florida. However, clear differences do exist in productivity. Additional
research examining environmental factors affecting cogongrass accession productivity and possible response to
herbicide treatment could help to clarify the issue of variable control.
25FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
SCLERIA MICROCARPA – DISCOVERING A NEW INVADER AND THE BEST
MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES TO CONTROL IT
LeRoy Rodgers, Ellen Allen, Alexandra Onisko
South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, FL; [email protected]; [email protected];
BIO: Alex Onisko is an Invasive Species Biologist with the South Florida Water Management District. Alex
graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2010 and has been working in the areas of resource
management, restoration, and invasive species control in natural areas in Florida since graduation.
ABSTRACT: Scleria microcarpa (Tropical Nutrush) is a newly identified and vouchered species found in Polk
and Osceola counties. S. microcarpa is a sedge in the Cyperaceae family and is native to Puerto Rico, Cuba,
Southern Mexico, Brazil, and several additional countries in Central and South America. Land managers began
noticing this species in 2015 on Lake Hatchineha. Specimens of this, then unknown plant were collected,
identified, verified, and vouchered. More undocumented populations have been located at multiple other lakes
near the original infestation. This plant species has been discovered in the littoral zones of the lakes growing in
both soggy soil and in standing water in canopied areas creating dense monocultures under cypress and maple
trees. There has been an interagency effort to inform land managers and biologist about this new invader. Future
survey efforts by the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, and help from local CISMAs are planned in order to determine the extent and habitat of this species.
Unlike Scleria lacustris, another invasive Scleria species known to many land managers in Florida, S. microcarpa
is a perennial and not an annual, resulting in different approaches to the management of this species. Initial
herbicide trials conducted in order to control this species did damage to the plants but were unsuccessful in
completely controlling it. Water levels at the original herbicide trial sites were high and might have hindered the
efficacy of the herbicides. Additional trials implementing various active chemicals and modes of action have been
applied independently of each other as well as in combination with each other. The objective of these trials is to
determine the most efficient and effective method to control this new invader. Results from these trials should
give land managers insight and guidance when managing Scleria microcarpa.
26 FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
Author Index
Oral presentations:
Bargeron, Chuck ........................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Byerly, Emma .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Cipollini, Don ................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cuda, James ................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Cunard, Chelsea ........................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Enloe, Stephen.................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Estrada, James ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Fahey, Cathy ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Fishel, Fred ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Giardina, Dennis .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Jacono, Colette ............................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Jubinsky, Greg ........................................................................................................................................................................18, 19
Kunzer, John .................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Lastinger, Cody ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Lieurance, Deah ........................................................................................................................................................................... 14
MacDonald, Greg ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Millett, Cheryl ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Pernas, Antonio ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Prince, Candice ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9, 16
Revuelta, Eric ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12 1
Poster presentations:
Bechtloff, Allison ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Broggi, Evan ................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Gravesande, Jarron ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Grossman, Adina ......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Jones, Emily ................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
LeGros, Kate .................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Onisko, Alexandra ....................................................................................................................................................................... 26
27FLEPPC 2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE, FL
Thank you to our sponsors!
Aquatic Plant Management, Inc. (Al Suarez)
AVC – Aquatic Vegetation Control, Inc. (Jim Burney & Todd Olson)
Bayer Environmental Science (Dan Mixson)
Flatwood Natives – Habitat Solutions Co. (Danielle Alston)
Environmental Quality, Inc. (EQI) (Katherine Murray)
Alligare LLC (Norma Cassinari-Swann)
NRPS – Natural Resource Planning Services (Eric Hoyer)
WinField United (Dharmen Setaram)
SePro (Kelli Gladding)
Kestrel Ecological Services (Michael Meisenburg & Erick Smith)
Brewer International (Steve Brewer & Nancy Healy)