Pampas Grass Research Articles

Microsatellite variation points to local landscape plantings as sources of invasive pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) in California

International trade in horticultural plants is a major pathway of introduction of invasive species. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is an invasive species of horticultural origin that is native to South America but cultivated as an ornamental in regions with Mediterranean climates worldwide. To gain insight into the introduction history of invasive populations in California, we analysed microsatellite marker variation in cultivated and invasive C. selloana. We sampled 275 cultivated plants from diverse sources and 698 invasive plants from 33 populations in four geographical regions of California. A model-based Bayesian clustering analysis identified seven distinct gene pools in cultivated C. selloana. Probabilities of assignment of invasive individuals to cultivated gene pools indicated that two gene pools accounted for the genomic origin of 78% of the invasive C. selloana sampled. Extensive admixture between cultivated source gene pools was detected within invasive individuals. Sources of admixed invasive individuals are probably landscape plantings. Consistent with the Bayesian assignment results indicating that multiple cultivated gene pools and landscape plantings are probable sources of invasive populations, F(ST) and neighbour-joining clustering analyses indicated multiple escapes from shared sources in each geographical region. No isolation by distance or geographical trend in reduction of genetic diversity was evident. Furthermore, a generally random and discontinuous distribution of proportional assignments of invasive populations to cultivated gene pools suggests that introductions occurred recurrently within each geographical region. Our results strongly suggest that dispersal through local landscape plantings has contributed to the range expansion of invasive C. selloana in California.

Effectiveness of Mulch using Japanese Pampas Grass for Preventing Sediment Runoff

Effectiveness of Mulch using Japanese Pampas Grass for Preventing Sediment Runoff

Isolation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Microsatellite Loci for Cultivar Identification in the Ornamental Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana

We isolated and characterized microsatellite loci in the ornamental pampas grass Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Asch. & Graebn. for purposes of identifying cultivars and assessing genetic relationships among cultivars. Small insert genomic libraries were enriched for dinucleotide (CT)n and (CA)n repeats. Ninety clones were sequenced of which 76% contained at least one microsatellite with a basic motif greater than six repeat units. Nine primer pairs amplified 10 polymorphic and putatively disomic loci, and were used to genotype 88 individuals representing 17 named cultivars and four selections. In total, 93 alleles were detected with a maximum of two to 19 per locus. Effective number of alleles varied from 1.3 to 9.5. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.07 to 0.81. The 10 microsatellite loci distinguished the majority of pampas grass cultivars. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis, based on proportion of shared alleles among individuals, revealed groups of cultivars corresponding to origin and morphological characteristics. With few exceptions, individuals of a single cultivar clustered together with moderate to strong bootstrap support (greater than 50%). Interestingly, `Pumila' from Europe and the United States formed separate clusters indicating independent origins. A large, diverse cluster with low bootstrap support consisted of selections and cultivars sold as seed, rather than potted or bare-root clonal plants. Primers designed for C. selloana amplified microsatellite loci in other Cortaderia Stapf species concordant with phylogenetic relationships among the species. Cross-amplification was 100% in C. jubata (Lemoine ex Carrière) Stapf; 77% in C. pilosa (d'Urv.) Hack. and C. rudiuscula Stapf; 66% in C. fulvida (Buch.) Zotov; and 55% in C. richardii (Endl.) Zotov and C. toetoe Zotov.

Nest Sanitation in Social Spider Mites: Interspecific Differences in Defecation Behavior

AbstractNest sanitation behavior is an important adaptation in nest‐building animals. The social spider mite Stigmaeopsis miscanthi (Saito) constructs woven nests on the leaf undersurface of perennial pampas grass (Miscanthus sinensis Anderss) and lives in the nests in large groups. Nest members of this species defecate at only one site inside the nest for nest sanitation, and the waste management is maintained by volatile chemical and tactile cues. Other members of the genus Stigmaeopsis Banks also construct woven nests, live in groups, and manage their fecal wastes, but the species differ in nest and group size, host plant, and social behavior. We investigated the details of waste management in four Stigmaeopsis spp. and found differences in the location of the defecation site and in the way each species recognizes this site. Like S. miscanthi, Stigmaeopsis longus defecates at only one site and uses volatile chemical and tactile cues, whereas Stigmaeopsis takahashii and Stigmaeopsis saharai both defecate at two sites and use only tactile cues. We discuss the reasons for the waste management differences within the genus, and the relationship between the means of waste management, nest and group size.

The role of successional stage, vegetation type and soil disturbance in the invasion of the alien grass Cortaderia selloana

Question: This paper studies the establishment and performance of Cortaderia selloana (Pampas grass), an alien South American ornamental species that is invading many parts of the world. We asked whether (1) early successional stages were the most susceptible to C. selloana invasion; (2) soil microdisturbances increased invasion at any point of succession, and (3) C. selloana invasion of later successional stages was modulated by vegetation type Location: Delta del Llobregat (Catalonia, NE Spain). Methods: We monitored survival and growth of transplanted C. selloana seedlings in disturbed and non-disturbed plots throughout a successional gradient with an age range of 10 years in different vegetation types and within the area of influence of coexisting species with similar growth form. Results: Although seedling survival was extremely low in all treatments, our results revealed that early successional stages were not the most easily invaded since we found no significant differences in the percentage survival of C. selloana along the successional gradient. However, survival and seedling biomass were enhanced by soil disturbance at any seral stage. This result suggested that inhibition ruled C. selloana invasion. Invasibility neither depended on the invaded vegetation type nor on the co-existing species with similar growth form. Finally, C. selloana invasion was not enhanced by decreasing competition with Phragmites australis, a native coexisting species because survival rates after a year were not significantly different. However, Phragmites increased C. selloana leaf length probably due to shading. Conclusions: C. selloana recruitment appears to be positively affected by soil disturbance but it is independent of successional stage or vegetation type.

滋賀県におけるカヤネズミの生息適地要因

From 2003-2004, the habitat factors of harvest mice were investigated in Shiga prefecture. This study was conducted in a variety grass fields; we recorded factors such as nest distribution, vegetation, the environmental conditions around the nesting sites, and the use of the land. For two years, we conducted research in a total of 122 areas, and 54 nesting sites were detected. The proportion of mountainous areas included in our study was higher than that of the lakeside areas. Nests were found on flood plains, riverbanks, abandoned paddy fields, rice fields, channel for irrigations, uncultivated lands, and road slopes. Most nests were found on flood plains and in abandoned paddy fields. As compared with the annual Gramineae species, a perennial Gramineae species was the dominant vegetation at the nesting sites. Nests were frequently found at nearly all the sites where nests had been found the previous year. Nests were frequently found in the area which includes a high proportion of forest, river or lakeside, and a low proportion of agricultural land. Fields of perennial grass such as the Japanese pampas grass, located close to the rivers in rural mountainous areas situated between mountains were found to be good habitats for harvest mice.

Growth Promotion of Spinach by Fluorescent Pseudomonas Strains under Application of Organic Materials

We investigated whether the colonization of spinach roots by fluorescent Pseudomonas strains was promoted by the application of organic materials. Firstly, the bioluminescence (lux) gene was introduced into fluorescent Pseudomonas strains, and the colonization of on spinach roots by fluorescent Pseudomonas strains was observed using a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera. As a result, various organic materials were found to promote the colonization of spinach roots by fluorescent Pseudomonas strains. H3-4 strain colonized the roots when oat straw and betaine monohydrate, rice husks, Japanese pampas grass and horse feces compost (with rice straw) were applied. D23-2 strain colonized the roots when hippuric acid sodium salt, Japanese pampas grass, oat straw, horse feces compost (with rice straw) and trehalose dehydrate were applied. H23-1 strain colonized the roots when cattle feces compost (with rice straw), horse feces compost (with sawdust), Japanese pampas grass, betaine monohydrate, oat straw, horse feces compost (with rice straw) and hippuric acid sodium salt were applied. The organic materials (cattle feces compost (with rice straw), horse feces compost (with sawdust), Japanese pampas grass, betaine monohydrate or horse feces compost (with rice straw)) and fluorescent Pseudomonas (HS23 strain) were applied to soil, and spinach was cultivated. The growth of spinach was promoted when fluorescent Pseudomonas strains and organic materials except for Japanese pampas grass were applied. Since the growth of spinach was not promoted when only the organic materials were applied, this growth-promoting effect was considered to be due to the fluorescent Pseudomonas strains that colonized the roots more readily when the organic materials were applied. In conclusion, the growth-promoting effect of fluorescent Pseudomonas strains was demonstrated in soil culture by the application of fluorescent Pseudomonas strains and organic materials, which promoted root colonization by fluorescent Pseudomonas strains.

Sightings, and: Fixitive, and: Flounder Gigging

Sightings I see my father rarely now, but always from an odd angle – in a crowd, say, disappearing in a cold rain or, as today, in drifting flurries while I was waiting to cross Fifth, and always for only two or three seconds, him going by in the back seat of a black car and breath comes hard all over again after years. [End Page 161] Fixitive Winter nights, after dinner, I go out into the dark, hoping for something bright to hold the day. I take the salt marsh path that leads to the wide waters of Bogue Sound. Sometimes I return with a wash of stars in my head. Or the antiphonal hoots of barred owls that have built their sound fence in hi-lo's for maybe a mile. Tonight there were no stars. A cottony mist hung over the trees like a tent. Just a soft slapping of waves at the point. But on the return, from the road in front of my house, I heard a panic of squeaks in the pampas grass. My flashlight lit the cats, Mel and Tootie, torturing a mouse that they left by turns, coming to my feet for strokes and scratches until the mouse escaped – likely to our shed where the lucid dark of my desklamp shows him still, entering this room from a hole in the wall, uncertain at first, sniffing left then right, as if looking for a switch. But that's me, not him, looking for a light. He scurries for birdseed in the torn sack, then burrows to sleep in my garden glove. [End Page 162] Flounder Gigging Along the channel edges, flats and shoals, even with an underwater light you find them hard to see. They must pretend they're sandy bottom with a concentration so complete they disappear into what becomes them.

堤防植生の刈り取りが カヤネズミ Ｍｉｃｒｏｍｙｓ ｍｉｎｕｔｕｓ の営巣に与える影響

Harvest mice build a nest with tall grasses, such as Common reed and Japanese pampas grass. Recently, their habitat has decreased and bank-grass mowing as river management seemed to affect on breeding of harvest mice. Grass mowing was set up in three different schedules in consideration of the harvest mouse in a bank of Kizu river; it carried out at intervals of two weeks from end of April. After the mowing, nesting distribution of harvest mouse and vegetation growth were investigated. At first, nests made of Common reed or Foxtail grass were found in the division of the mowing order, 50, 59 and 67 days after, respectively, then Common reed became main nest material. Nesting increased from May to September and breeding nests were built from July to September, a peak of breeding occurred in August. Since the average height of Common reed at the start of nesting was 120cm in all divisions, it was suggested that nesting is influenced by the height of vegetation. It turns out that the time of mowing have a great impact on the harvest mouse. Vegetation management which is necessary for a habitat of harvest mouse was discussed.

Carbon source of humic substances in some Japanese volcanic ash soils determined by carbon stable isotopic ratio, δ 13C

Volcanic ash soils (including Andisols) have been known to accumulate extremely large amounts of humic acids in their thick surface horizons, and their accumulation mechanism is of interest. Two mechanisms have been proposed: (1) active metals like Al and Fe, supplied from weathered volcanic materials, stabilize humic acids through complexation reactions; (2) cultivated Japanese pampas grasses ( Miscanthus sinensis A.) and its charred materials are the major carbon source of humic acids. In the present study, contribution ratio of the pampas grass (C4-plant) on the carbons of the humic acids was determined by measuring their stable isotopic ratio of carbon (δ 13C). In Japanese volcanic ash soils, humic acids were originated from both C3- and C4-plants, and the contribution ratio of C4-plants (mostly pampas grass) ranged from 18% to 52%. Highly humified (dark-colored) humic acids tended to show higher contribution ratio of C4-plants among volcanic ash soils, although the major part of the carbon had originated from C3-plants. It was also clarified that the δ 13C values of crude soil samples correlated well with those of humic and fulvic acids. Therefore, reported δ 13C values of crude soil samples in the literature would be useful for estimating the carbon source of soil humic substances. Literature survey of the δ 13C values of crude soil samples also indicated that a large part of the carbon in humic substances has originated from C3-plants rather than C4-plants, implying the importance of the active metals (such as Al and Fe) on the formation and accumulation of the humic acids in volcanic ash soils.

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.

Effect of Clotararia, Sorghum and Pampas Grass Incorporated as Green Manure on the Yield of Succeeding Crops and Soil Physical and Chemical Properties

Effect of Clotararia, Sorghum and Pampas Grass Incorporated as Green Manure on the Yield of Succeeding Crops and Soil Physical and Chemical Properties

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.

258 Pampas Grass (Cortaderia argentea) Response to Ancymidol, Paclobutrazol, and Uniconazole Substrate Drenches

Plant growth retardant (PGR) substrate drenches (in milligrams active ingredient) 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 were applied to pampas grass (Cortaderia argentea Nees) to compare their effectiveness at chemical height control during greenhouse forcing and evaluate the residual effect on plant growth in the landscape. Cortaderia argentea plant height exhibited a quadratic dose response to paclobutrazol and uniconazole, while ancymidol-treated plants showed a linear dose effect. During greenhouse production, all rates of uniconazole reduced plant height by 56% to 71% compared to the untreated control, whereas paclobutrazol and ancymidol treatments reduced plant height by 14% to 61% and 0% to 34%, respectively. Severe height retardation was evident at 2 mg of uniconazole. By week 5 in the field all plants treated with uniconazole, paclobutrazol doses of 4, 8, or 16 mg, and with 4 mg of ancymidol were shorter than the untreated control. By week 24 in the field, all plants exhibited similar heights except plants treated with uniconazole at 1, 2, or 4 mg remained shorter than the untreated control. In conclusion, each PGR was effective in controlling plant height of Cortaderia argentea during greenhouse forcing. Furthermore, plants treated with low to moderate rates of ancymidol or paclobutrazol grew out of the regulating effect by week 5 in the landscape. These results demonstrate that PGR can be effectively and economically employed in the production of Cortaderia argentea.

Effects of Preemergence Applied Herbicides on Pampas Grass

Pampas grass seedlings in 72-cell pack containers were transplanted into containers with a root observation window (17.8 × 10.2 cm) and treated with selected preemergence applied herbicides. Root numbers were counted in the upper and lower 8.9 cm of the viewing window until 16 days after treatment (DAT) when the windows became full of roots. Root growth in both the upper and lower window was suppressed with application of Factor 65 WG and Pendulum 60 WDG at the X and 2X rates at 16 DAT. Ronstar 2G and Pendulum 2G at the recommended rates and nontreated control plants had similar root numbers at 16 DAT. At 16 DAT, the greatest number of club roots formed on plants treated with the dinitroaniline herbicides; Pendulum 2G, Pendulum 60 WDG, and Factor 65 WG. Shoot growth was not affected by treatment.

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.

Salivacin 140, a novel bacteriocin from Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius T140 active against pathogenic bacteria

Fifteen of 353 environmental isolates of lactic acid bacteria consistently showed activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, and/or Propionibacterium acnes. Strain T140, isolated from the surface of Japanese pampas grass leaves and identified as Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius, also had activity against several Lactobacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica. Since the antagonistic factor(s) produced by T140 was sensitive to a proteolytic enzyme, it was concluded that a bacteriocin (named salivacin 140) was involved in the inhibition activity. Strain T140 required a high initial pH (7.5-8.5) in agar plates for bacteriocin production.

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.

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.