Cortaderia Selloana Research Articles

The role of alien plants in the natural coastal vegetation in central-northern Spain

Alien plants in coastal habitats and their influence on natural vegetation are studied. After 5 years working on this subject in the Basque Country and surrounding areas, a number of results from the coastal ecosystems are presented. These ecosystems are one of the most threatened and affected by the invasion of alien plants, especially shore dunes, saltmarshes and cliffs. These kinds of habitats, especially the dunes, experience significant pressure from human activities which favours the expansion of some of these species: Arctotheca calendula, Sporobolus indicus and Oe- nothera spp. The presence and abundance of these invasive plants and others such as Baccharis halimifolia, Cortaderia selloana, Spartina patens and Carpobrotus edulis in the plant communities in an area between the French border and the western part of the region of Cantabria have been studied. The degree of invasion of each plant in each syntaxonomic unit has been analysed.

Pampas grass control with haloxyfop in conservations sites on difficult terrain

An effective method was sought to control pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) in conservation sites with difficult terrain At one such site the dunes and dune slack communities on Pouto Peninsula we tested three methods of applying the herbicide haloxyfop from a helicopter beer keg weighted nozzle and lance All three methods gave a similar high level of control of pampas grass but differed considerably in cost One year after herbicide application many of the pampas grass plants in the plots had new shoots and native plant species had begun to colonise the old pampas clumps All sprayed plots needed treatment of the regrowth to completely control the pampas grass

Pampas Grass Responses to Ancymidol, Paclobutrazol, and Uniconazole Substrate Drenches

Plant growth retardant (PGR) substrate drenches (in mg a.i per pot.) of ancymidol at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4; paclobutrazol at 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16; and uniconazole at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 (28,350 mg = 1.0 oz) were applied to pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana). Control of height growth during greenhouse forcing and the residual effects on plant growth in the landscape were evaluated. During greenhouse forcing, plant height exhibited a quadratic dose response to paclobutrazol and uniconazole, while ancymidol treated plants exhibited a linear response to increasing dose. All rates of uniconazole resulted in plant heights which were 56% to 75% shorter than the nontreated control, whereas paclobutrazol and ancymidol treatments resulted in 6% to 64% and 5% to 29% shorter plants, respectively. Severe height retardation was evident with {XgtequalX}2 mg uniconazole. When the plants were transplanted and grown in the landscape (24 weeks after the PGR application), all plants treated with ancymidol, paclobutrazol, and {XltequalX}0.5 mg uniconazole exhibited heights similar to the nontreated control, suggesting no residual effects of the PGR for these treatments. Only plants treated with uniconazole at {XgtequalX}1 mg remained shorter than the nontreated control in the landscape. These results demonstrate that plant growth regulators can be effectively and economically applied in the greenhouse production of pampas grass.

Effects of Herbicide and Time of Application on Pampas Grass Grown in Containers

Abstract Two experiments evaluated the effects of preemergence herbicides on pampas grass [Cortaderia selloana (Schult. and Schult. f.) Asch. and Graebn.] growth. Herbicides were applied 1, 15, or 30 days after potting (DAP) from 36-cell packs into 3.8 liter (#1) containers. Ronstar (oxadiazon) applied at the manufacturer's recommended rate caused little or no injury when applied 1 or 15 DAP. Factor 65 WG (prodiamine) applied 1 DAP suppressed root growth compared to control plants; however, when applied 15 or 30 DAP root ratings of Factor treated plants were similar to control plants 60 and 75 DAP. Plant height at 90 DAP was about 10% greater when the herbicide application was delayed 30 DAP, compared to plants treated 1 DAP. In experiment 2, plant height and root ratings were greater when herbicides were applied 30 DAP than when applied 1 DAP. Pendulum 2G (pendimethalin), Pendulum 60 WDG (pendimethalin), and Factor 65 WG (prodiamine) suppressed root growth in the upper 5.1 cm (2 in) and lower 10.2 (4 in) of container medium. Plants treated with Factor 65 WG or Pendulum 60 WDG generally had the highest percent lodging and the most club roots in both experiments; Ronstar was the only herbicide that did not cause lodging or club root formation.

Effects of Preemergence-applied Herbicides on Pampas Grass Grown in Containers

Abstract Two experiments evaluated the effects of preemergence herbicides on growth of pampas grass [Cortaderia selloana (Schult. and Schult f.) Asch. and Graebn.] applied after transplanting from 72-cell packs into 3.8 liter (#1) containers. Ronstar (oxadiazon) and Regal O-O (oxadiazon + oxyfluorfen) applied at the manufacturers' recommended rates caused little or no injury. Ornamental Weedgrass Control (pendimethalin), Pendulum 2G (pendimethalin), Pendulum 60 WDG (pendimethalin), Surflan 4AS (oryzalin), Rout (oryzalin + oxyfluorfen), and Factor 65 WG (prodiamine) suppressed root development in the upper 5.1 cm (2 in) of the container medium in both experiments. Application of Surflan 4AS resulted in 100% and 70% mortality of plants in the two experiments, respectively. Lodging was greatest with Factor 65 WG (100% and 90% in the two experiments) and Pendulum 60 WDG (50% in both studies). Some lodging occurred with the application of all dinitroaniline herbicides in the two studies.

The Effect of Ornamental Grasses Used as a Windscreen on Chili Pepper Yield

Chili pepper yield may be hampered by wind-blown sand and high evaporative demand common in semiarid regions. Initial establishment of the crop is of great importance to overall yield. Due to their reduced size, ornamental grasses could serve as windscreens in urban gardens. In this project, seven species of ornamental grasses (Cortaderia selloana `Pumila', Erianthus ravennae, Miscanthus sinensis `Autumn Light', Miscanthus sinensis `Gracillimus', Miscanthus sinensis `Silberfeder', Miscanthus sinensis `Variegatus', Miscanthus sinensis `Zebrinus', and Pennisetum setaceum `Rubrum') were used as aesthetic windscreens. Capsicum annuum `NuMex Big Jim' chili pepper yield was significantly affected by species of grass in the windscreen. The number of peppers per plant was also significantly affected by species; however, the weight of each pepper was not significantly impacted. Effect of species of ornamental grass in the windscreen may be due to differences in wind resistance, moisture competition, or shading between species. The durability, increase in yield, and aesthetic nature of the ornamental grasses used as windscreens provides several reasons to take advantage of these perennial grasses for an aesthetic form of garden protection.

Long-term shoot regeneration from pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana Schult.) through manipulation of growth regulators in vitro

A regeneration system for 'Pumila' pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana Schult.) that yields plants over many months and allows control of morphogenesis was developed. Immature inflorescence explants cultured for three 4-week passages on MS basal medium supplemented with 4.5 μM 2,4-D and 8.9 μM BA yielded a dark green callus that organized into shoot primordia. Rate of shoot development was increased after transfer of shoot primordia to medium supplemented with 9.8 μM IBA. Subculture every 4-6 weeks onto medium containing IBA yielded a continuous production of shoots. Control of morphogenesis was achieved by transferring cultures to medium containing 4.5 μM 2,4-D and 8.9 μM BA for shoot bud proliferation and to medium containing IBA for shoot production.

Composted Poultry Litter as a Low-cost Media Amendment

The poultry industry is a $1 billion industry in Texas, with most production centered in eastern Texas. The nursery industry is a $600 million industry, with 25% of the producers located in eastern Texas. With hundreds of millions of birds produced each year, and each bird producing ≈2 lb of manure, waste disposal is a growing problem. Composted poultry litter was mixed with composted pine bark to create five media with varying percentages of poultry litter as a component: 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40%. A randomized complete-block design was used with poultry litter rates as main plots and plant species tested as subplots. Five species included: tomato, marigold, Cortaderia selloana, Asian jasmine, and Salvia leucantha. Prior to planting, all 1-gal containers were leached with 1000 ml of water, the leachate collected, and tested for conductivity. Plant growth measurements to be presented include plant height and dry weight. The results of media and leaf tissue nutrient analysis will be presented.

Acclimatization and Growth of Dwarf Pampas Grass in Response to Fertilizer Application Following In Vitro Culture

Abstract Dwarf pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana Schult. ‘Pumila’) plantlets produced in vitro were subjected to one of seven fertilization treatments during acclimatization to greenhouse conditions. Though all plantlets survived acclimatization, level of fertilizer significantly affected growth rate. Increase in fresh weight, leaf number and tillering during the first 6 weeks of acclimatization was greater when Osmocote micro-fertilizer at 2 kg/m3 (oz/ft3) was incorporated into the growing mix (Pro-Gro 200 with starter nutrients) as compared to 4 kg/m3 (oz/ft3) of Osmocote or addition of liquid fertilizer. The slowest growth was obtained from plants growing without Osmocote or liquid fertilizer. Once adapted to the greenhouse, plants fertilized with 400 mg/1 (ppm) N from 17N-4P-11K (17-9-13) soluble fertilizer twice per week had the most rapid growth.

Postemergence Applied Herbicides for Use On Ornamental Grasses

Abstract Postemergence-applied, grass-active herbicides registered for use in the landscape were applied over-the-top of four ornamental grass species to evaluate tolerance in 1990 and 1991. All herbicides caused some injury to all grass species. Growth indices of dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides L.K. Spreng. ‘Hameln)’ and pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana Schult. & Schult. f. Asch & Graebn. ‘Rosea’) treated with the low rate of Poast (sethoxydim) was similar to that of the nontreated plants in both years. Acclaim (fenoxaprop-ethyl) caused less injury to purple maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. ‘Purpurescens’) and maiden grass (M. sinensis Anderss ‘Gracillimus’) than Poast and Fusilade 2000 (fluazifop). Both Acclaim rates resulted in similar growth indices to that of nontreated plants. Flowering was reduced in three of the four grass species with all grass active herbicide treatments; the fourth species did not flower.

Plant Regeneration of Pampas Grass from Immature Inflorescences Cultured in Vitro

A micropropagation system to obtain plants from inflorescences of pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana Schult. `Pumila') was developed. Factors examined included developmental stage of inflorescence cultured and growth regulator combinations and concentrations that support explant establishment, shoot regeneration, and rooting. Immature inflorescences ≈300 mm long formed many shoot primordia when initially cultured on Murashige and Skoog basal medium containing 4.5 μm 2,4-D and 8.9 μm BA and subcultured to medium with 0.4 μm 2,4-D and 4.4 μm BA. Thereafter, monthly transfer to a medium without growth regulators yielded about three shoots per tube per month for more than 6 months. Most shoots rooted spontaneously and were easily hardened to greenhouse conditions. Field-tested plants flowered within 2 years and nearly all appeared identical to the parent cultivar. With this technique, several thousand plants can be obtained from a single inflorescence in 1 year. Chemical names used: N -(phenylmethyl)-1 H -purine-6-amine (BA); (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D).

Forage shrubs in North Island hill country 4. Chemical composition and conclusions

Abstract A range of shrubs was evaluated as potential sources of forage for grazing animals. Shrubs were established in rows in hill pastures near Woodville.Nine “true” shrubs, and two erect grasses, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and toetoe (C. fulvida) were evaluated. The true shrubs were: Chamaecytisus palmensis, tagasaste; Medicago arborea, tree medic; Ulex europaeus, gorse (two variants: wildgorse and short-spined gorse); Cytisus scoparius, broom; Robinia pseudoacacia, black locust; Leptospermum scoparium, manuka; Cassinia leptophylla, tauhinu; and Ceanothus griseus, ceanothus. Nitrogen, and in most instances macro-and micro-element, concentrations of leaf were higher than those of stem. Foliage of manuka, tauhinu, pampas, and toetoe was not an adequate nitrogen source for lactating ewes, and all species were deficient in phosphorus. Tauhinu, pampas, and toetoe were magnesium-deficient, and tagasaste, broom, black locust, and ceanothus were sodium-deficient. Leaf material consistently had lower n...

Forage shrubs in North Island hill country 3. Forage digestibility

Abstract A range of shrubs was evaluated as potential sources of forage for grazing animals. Shrubs were established in rows in hill pastures near Wood ville. Nine “true” shrubs, and two erect grasses, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), and toetoe (C. fulvida) were evaluated. The true shrubs were: Chamaecytisus palmensis, tagasaste; Medicago arborea, tree medic; Ulex europaeus, gorse (two variants: wild gorse and short-spined gorse); Cytisus scoparius, broom; Robinia pseudoacacia, black locust; Leptospermum scoparium, manuka; Cassinia leptophylla, tauhinu; and Ceanothus griseus, ceanothus. Digestibility of shrubs was assessed by in situ (nylon bag) digestion in cows' rumens, and by in vitro (cellulase) methods. The two methods ranked most forages similarly, but some inconsistencies did occur. Tree medic and tagasaste were highly digestible (71–73% estimated in vivo DM digestibility). Manuka, pampas, and toetoe had low digestibility (48–56%). Stem material was less digestible than leaf. Digestibility was ...

Forage shrubs in North Island hill country 2. Sheep and goat preferences

Abstract A range of shrubs was evaluated as potential sources of forage for grazing animals. Shrubs were established in rows in hill pastures near Woodville. Nine “true” shrubs, and two erect grasses, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and toetoe (C. fulvida) were evaluated. The true shrubs were: Chamaecytisus palmensis, tagasaste; Medicago arborea, tree medic; Ulex europaeus, gorse (two variants: wildgorse and short-spinedgorse); Cytisus scoparius, broom; Robinia pseudoacacia, black locust; Leptospermum scoparium, manuka; Cassinia leptophylla, tauhinu; and Ceanothus griseus, ceanothus. Harvested forages were fed to individually housed sheep and goats. Pairs of forages were offered to animals for 6–10 min, and consumption over that period was used to calculate relative preferences. Preference of sheep for broom, pampas, and pasture was greater than preference of goats for these species. Conversely, goats preferred short-spined gorse, manuka, and ceanothus in comparison with sheep. In general, hay, gorse, ...

Forage shrubs in North Island hill country 1. Forage production

Abstract A range of shrubs was evaluated as potential sources of forage for grazing animals. Shrubs were established in rows in hill pastures near Wood ville. Nine “true” shrubs and two erect grasses, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and toetoe (C. fulvida), were evaluated. The true shrubs were: Chamaecytisus palmensis, tagasaste; Medicago arborea, tree medic; Ulex europaeus, gorse (two variants: wild gorse and short-spined gorse); Cytisus scoparius, broom; Robinia pseudoacacia, black locust; Leptospermum scoparium, manuka; Cassinia leptophylla, tauhinu; and Ceanothus griseus, ceanothus. Based on four harvests per year (one each season), the most productive species were: wild gorse(817 g dry matter (DM)/mrow); pampas (677); broom (581); toetoe (538); tagasaste (422); and black locust (315). These values were more than doubled where harvests were made only once as opposed to 4 times annually. Comparative pasture production was 422 g DM/m row. Percentage of leaf in the harvested material from the true shr...

Ornamental Response to Two Methods of Oxadiazon Application

Abstract Oxadiazon was applied conventionally as a granular and compared to the emulsifiable concentrate injected into sprinkler irrigation system (chemigation) at 60- day intervals on 20 species of container-grown ornamentals. In general, phytotoxicity increased proportional to the number of applications and was most prevalent during cold weather. Moderate to severe phytotoxicity at 2 × and 4 × rates was observed on aucuba (Aucuba japonica Thunb.), azalea [Rhododendron (AZ) ‘Formosa’ and R. (AZ) ‘Fashionaire’], liriope [Liriope muscari (Decne) L. H. Bailey], pampas grass [Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Asch. & Graebn.], Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergiana Franco), and red tip photinia (Photinia ‘Fraseri’ Dress). Increased injury was observed on aucuba, Japanese black pine, and azalea when oxadiazon was applied via chemigation. On the other species, the degree of phytotoxicity was proportional to the rate applied. Both monocots showed moderate (18%) to severe (45%) injury. The only cultivar with significant growth reductions after 8 months was the ‘Formosa’ azalea when chemigated. The only species with reduced marketability due to the herbicide was liriope. After the second application, the weight and number of weeds decreased proportional to the herbicide rate or number of applications. Chemical name used: 3-[2,4-dichloro-5-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-one (oxadiazon).

Naturalized species of Cortaderia (Poaceae) in southern Africa

In the past, a single species of Pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana (J.A. & J.J. Schult.) Aschers. & Graebn., was thought to occur in southern Africa. This paper documents the occurrence of a second species (Cortaderia jubata (Lem.) Stapf) which is both more aggressive as an invasive and more frequently encountered than is C. selloana. The species are described and a key for their identification is presented.

Catechol O-methyltransferases in pampas grass: differentiation of m- and p-methylating activities

Partially purified catechol O-methyltransferase from pampas grass ( Cortaderia selloana) catalyses the methylations of substrates at both their meta and para positions. This capability was shown, by heat treatments, to arise from a less stable m- O-methyl-transferring activity and a more stable p- O-methyltransferring activity, tested against protocatechuic acid. When acting upon caffeic acid, the preparation catalyses a reaction of solely m- O-methyltransfer (in contrast to the mixed methylation of this substrate exhibited by rat liver catechol O-methyltransferase). A small degree of m- O-methylation of monophenolic substrates also occurs.