Sign up for the iWire to get breaking news, event info and the species spotlight.
Abstract Detail
Return to List
Author: Havill, Scott
Email: sh1601@txstate.edu
Phone: (512) 878-0474
Organization: Texas State University
Address:
601 University Drive,
San Marcos,
TX,
78666
Abstract Title: CAN PRESCRIBED BURNS BE USED TO CONTROL A C4 INVASIVE GRASS IN A C4 GRASSLAND? Scott Havill,*1Susan Schwinning,* J.P. Bach,** Paula Williams,*Kelly Lyons*** *Biology Department, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas 78666 **Freeman Ranch Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas 78666 ***Biology Department, Trinity College, San Antonio, Texas 78212
Abstract Text: Invasive species control is difficult when invasive and native species belong to the same functional type, as any management action that creates disturbance will usually favor the further spread of the invasive species due to their intrinsic dispersal and growth advantage. However, if the difference in growth rate between invasive and native species is offset by an even greater and opposite difference in mortality, a carefully planned disturbance regime could help restore native communities. We evaluated the effects of prescribed burning at different times of the year on the apparent tiller mortality of the non-native C4 grass KR bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum) and the C4 native grass little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). To control fire, we burned individual grass patches inside a steel barrel of 46 cm diameter. Apparent tiller mortality was estimated by counting live tillers before and after the burn. We recorded fire temperature and the phenological stages of species at burn time to determine their potential effects on mortality rates. Results for the first three burns of this study conducted in June, July, and September of 2011 indicate that apparent tiller mortality was consistently greater for KR bluestem then for little bluestem. The greatest difference in mortality (8 vs. 80%) was observed in June. We discuss the possibility that the policy of burn bans during the driest and hottest time of the year limits our capacity to control non-native invasive grasses in central Texas.  
Conference
Year: TIPPC_2011
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Presenter Type (Student or Regular):
Session: 3. Control and Management
Submission Date: 2011-09-30
