Sign up for the iWire to get breaking news, event info and the species spotlight.
Abstract Detail
Return to List
Author: Davidson, David
Email: 117dldavidson@gmail.com
Phone: xxxx
Organization: Wild Mercury Preserve
Address:
117 Elm Spring,
San Antonio,
TX,
78231
Abstract Title: KING RANCH BLUESTEM'S AFFECT ON BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL COMMUNITIES MAY EXPLAIN ITS ALLELOPATHY ON WILD MERCURY PRESERVE, KENDAL COUNTY. David L. Davidson, Wild Mercury Preserve, Kendal County.
Abstract Text: Experience over the last 20 years has taught us that King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum) (KR) is allelopathic and must be killed before restoration of native prairie at Wild Mercury Preserve, Kendal County, can occur. Our restoration method is to kill KR by burning brush piles or solarization followed by seeding with native grasses and forbs. We analyzed the soil fungi and bacteria to help determine why KR must be killed prior to restoration. We measured biomass of bacteria and fungi using PLFA (Phospholipid Fatty Acid) analysis of soil. We found that biomass (proportional to diversity) in restorations is 3.4x that in KR areas. Mycorrhizal fungi in restorations is 3.4x that in KR areas, but species are the same. Reinvasion by KR is minimal. Some fungal genera are unique to both native prairie and KR.
 Some fungal genera are unique to restorations and some enhance growth. Some fungal genera are unique to KR & are pathogenic. Collectotrichum & Conniocessia are the most likely to be the fungi causing KR to be allelopatic. No pathogenic bacteria were found in Restoration or KR areas.
Conference
Year: TIPPC_2018
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Presenter Type (Student or Regular): Regular
Session: 4. Research
Submission Date: 2018-10-04
