A peer-reviewed open-access journal NeoBiota !20: e61–79 reproductive (2014) biology of Saccharum spontaneum L.: implications for management... 61 doi: 10.3897/neobiota.20.6163 ReseARCh ARTiCLe NeoBiota www.pensoft.net/journals/neobiota Advancing research on alien species and biological invasions The reproductive biology of Saccharum spontaneum L.: implications for management of this invasive weed in Panama Graham D. Bonnett1,2, Josef N. S. Kushner2, Kristin Saltonstall2 1 CSIRO Plant Industry, QBP, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia 2 Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panamá Corresponding author: Graham D. Bonnett (
[email protected]) Academic editor: R. Hufbauer | Received 28 August 2013 | Accepted 2 December 2013 | Published 24 January 2014 Citation: Bonnett GD, Kushner JNS, Saltonstall K (2014) "e reproductive biology of Saccharum spontaneum L.: implications for management of this invasive weed in Panama. NeoBiota 20: 61–79. doi: 10.3897/neobiota.20.6163 Abstract Saccharum spontaneum L. is an invasive grass that has spread extensively in disturbed areas throughout the Panama Canal watershed (PCW), where it has created a #re hazard and inhibited reforestation e$orts. Currently physical removal of aboveground biomass is the primary means of controlling this weed, which is largely ine$ective and does little to inhibit spread of the species. Little is known about reproduction of this species, although it is both rhizomatous and produces abundant seed. Here we report a series of studies looking at some of the basic reproductive mechanisms and strategies utilised by S. spontaneum to provide information to support development of better targeted management strategies.