Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Biology

Date of Award

5-2003

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Foster Levy

Committee Members

Timothy D. McDowell, Paul Wetzel

Abstract

Southern Appalachian Phalaris arundinacea control was investigated by: 1) correlating cover and species richness with soil characteristics across transects; 2) burning and herbicide use to determine conditions facilitating native plant establishment; and 3) hemi-parasitic Pedicularis lanceolata tested as a biological control.

Phalaris cover was correlated with subsoil consolidation; areas without Phalaris had consolidated subsoil while Phalaris at >50% cover established on loose soil. Phalaris cover inhibited species richness (r2=0.78). No soil characteristic predicted species richness.

Herbicide reduced Phalaris cover and aerial biomass by 23% and 63% respectively, compared to controls. Burning was ineffective. Two summers after herbicide Phalaris subterranean biomass remained 32% less than control biomass. Monocot transplants established readily following herbicide but dicot transplants were less likely to survive.

Pedicularis parasitized Phalaris. Pedicularis’ effect on a mixed species total (r2=0.735) was non-linear; implying greater effect on large plants. Non-parasitic native plant species competition reduced biomass of Phalaris by 40%.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS