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
Recommended Citation
Foster, Richard Douglas, "Fire, Soil, Native Species and Control of Phalaris arundinacea in a Wetland Recovery Project." (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 773. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/773
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.