Effects of mechanical and chemical control on invasive Spartina alterniflora in the Yellow River Delta, China.

Baohua Xie,Peiyang Qiao,Bo Guan,Yingfeng Zhou,Weimin Song,Anfeng Zhang,Qing Wang,Guangxuan Han,Baoling Mei

doi:10.7717/peerj.7655

Abstract

Spartina alterniflora is one of the most noxious invasive plants in China and many other regions. Exploring environmentally friendly, economic and effective techniques for controlling Spartina alterniflora is of great significance for the management of coastal wetlands. In the present study, different approaches, including mowing and waterlogging, mowing and tilling and herbicide application, were used to control Spartina alterniflora. The results suggest that the integrated approach of mowing and waterlogging could eradicate Spartina alterniflora, the herbicide haloxyfop-r-methyl could kill almost all the Spartina alterniflora, and the integrated approach of mowing and tilling at the end of the growing season was a perfect way to inhibit the germination of Spartina alterniflora in the following year. However, no matter which control approach is adopted, secondary invasion of Spartina alterniflora must be avoided. Otherwise, all the efforts will be wasted in a few years.

Highlights

Spartina alterniflora Loisel is a perennial C4 grass native to the eastern and gulf coasts of the United States and has important ecological functions in its native ecosystems (Mobberley, 1956)
The waterlogging at 30 and 40 cm depth after mowing in June or August completely inhibited the germination of Spartina alterniflora, with no Spartina alterniflora germinating from August 2017 to November 2018
Effects of mowing and waterlogging on the canopy height of Spartina alterniflora Clonal ramets sprouted from the rhizomes of Spartina alterniflora almost throughout the entire growing season; we investigated the canopy height of Spartina alterniflora

Summary

Introduction

Spartina alterniflora Loisel (smooth cordgrass) is a perennial C4 grass native to the eastern and gulf coasts of the United States and has important ecological functions in its native ecosystems (Mobberley, 1956). Because of its vigorous vitality, strong salt tolerance, waterlogging tolerance, strong asexual reproduction and rapid expansion, Spartina alterniflora poses a serious threat to the biodiversity and ecological security of many coastal tidal wetlands (Li et al, 2009; Strong & Ayres, 2013). It is a notorious invader of coastal ecosystems in many regions of the world, including estuaries in New Zealand, China, Africa and the Pacific coast of the USA (Adams, van Wyk & Riddin, 2016; An et al, 2007; Buhle, Feist & Hilborn, 2012; Knott, Webster & Nabukalu, 2013).

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