INVASIVE PLANTS KNOCKING ‘EM Out Of The PARK

2015 Annual Conference

Crowne Plaza Oceanfront Melbourne, Florida NOTES

FNGA/FLEPPC Liaison Gary Knox, [email protected]

Legislative Deah Lieurance, [email protected]

Membership Gayle Edwards [email protected]

Merchandise William Snyder, [email protected]

Nominations Jim Burney, [email protected]

Outreach OFFICERS Christen Mason, [email protected]

Sherry Williams, Chair Plant List [email protected] Patricia Howell, [email protected]

Dennis Giardina, Past Chair Research Grant [email protected] Jim Cuda, [email protected]

Aimee Cooper, Secretary Symposium Local Arrangements [email protected] Sherry Williams, [email protected]

Karen Brown, Interim Treasurer & Editor Symposium Program [email protected] Karen Brown, [email protected]

Vendors DIRECTORS Michael Meisenburg [email protected]

2nd Year Webmaster Chuck Bargeron [email protected] Gayle Edwards, [email protected]

Geof Lane, [email protected] TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Deah Lieurance, [email protected] Australian Pine Tony Pernas, [email protected] Cheryl Millett, [email protected] Brazilian Pepper 1st Year Jim Cuda, [email protected]

Tina Bond, [email protected] Carrotwood

Gwen Burzycki, [email protected] Chris Lockhart, [email protected]

Ruark Cleary, [email protected] Chinese Tallow Greg Wheeler, [email protected]

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Dioscorea

By-Laws Bill Overholt, [email protected]

Mike Renda, [email protected] Grasses

CISMA Grant Greg MacDonald, [email protected]

Gregg Walker, [email protected] Lygodium

Education Grant LeRoy Rodgers, [email protected]

Kris Campbell, [email protected] Melaleuca

Field Trips Francois Laroche, [email protected]

Jackie Smith, [email protected] Skunkvine

Finance Brian Nelson, [email protected] Ruark Cleary, [email protected]

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE April 8–10, 2015 Melbourne, Florida

CONFERENCE AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8th

9:00 – 5:00 – REGISTRATION – FOYER 7:00 – 12:30 – VENDOR EXHIBIT SET-UP, POSTER SET-UP, SILENT AUCTION SET-UP – St Lucia/St Martin Room 9:30 – 11:30 – FLEPPC BOARD MEETING (ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND) – St Croix/St Thomas Room 5:00 – 6:30 – POSTER SESSION & WELCOME SOCIAL – ST LUCIA/ST MARTIN ROOMS

ORAL PRESENTATIONS – Aruba Room

SESSION I – Moderator: Dennis Giardina 1:00 – 1:10 – Welcome and Announcements – Sherry Williams, FLEPPC Chair 1:10 – 1:35 – Keynote Speaker – Bugwood – Age 20, EDDMapS – Age 10 – Chuck Bargeron 1:35 – 2:00 – The Florida Natural Areas Inventory: The Partnership with FISP, CISMAS and FWC – Greg Jubinsky 2:00 – 2:25 – A New Website to Access the Recommendations of the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas – Deah Lieurance 2:25 – 2:50 – Correlation between the Predicted Risk and Invasion Status of Non-Native Vine Species in Florida – Doria Gordon

2:50 – 3:20 – NETWORKING BREAK – ST. LUCIA/ST. MARTIN ROOMS

SESSION II – Moderator: Patti Smith – STUDENT PRESENTATIONS 3:20 – 3:45 – Variation in Phenotypic Plasticity and Competitive Ability Among Florida Populations of the Invasive Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) (STUDENT PRESENTATION) – Drew Hiatt 3:45 – 4:10 – The Effects of Fire on Spore Viability of Lygodium microphyllum (STUDENT PRESENTATION) – Nicole Sebesta 4:10 – 4:35 – Seed Biology and Management of Chinese Tallow in Florida (STUDENT PRESENTATION) – Heather VanHueveln 4:35 – 5:00 – Recent Category I and Category II Additions to the FLEPPC List of Invasive Plant Species – Colette Jacono

5:00 – 6:30 – POSTER SESSION & WELCOME SOCIAL – ST. LUCIA/ST. MARTIN ROOMS

THURSDAY, APRIL 9th

8:00 – 12:00 – REGISTRATION – FOYER 8:00 – 12:00 – VENDOR EXHITIBTS; SILENT AUCTION – ST. LUCIA/ST. MARTIN ROOMS 8:00 – 12:00 – ORAL PRESENTATIONS – ARUBA ROOM 12:30 – 4:30 – FIELD TRIPS

SESSION III – ARUBA ROOM – Moderator: Greg Jubinsky 8:00 – 8:10 – Clearcast Best Use Patterns and New Uses for Stingray – Kelli Gladding 8:10 – 8:35 – 6 Month Assessment of Natal Grass (Melinis repens) Management in A Novel Habitat: A Repeatable Model for Rapid Planning/Management for Early Detection/Rapid Response Species – Brian Pelc 8:35 – 9:00 – Chinese Tallow Control: Can Any Treatment Stop Sprouting? – Stephen Enloe 9:00 – 9:50 – PANEL DISCUSSION: Priorities vs Perfection – Treatment Philosophies for the Long Haul - PARTICIPANTS: Kristina Serbesoff-King, Linda King, Sammy McGee, Eric Smith, William A. Snyder, Deb Stone

9:50 – 10:20 – NETWORKING BREAK – ST. LUCIA/ST. MARTIN ROOMS

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SESSION IV – Moderator: Kelli Gladding 10:20 – 10:45 – Discussing Patterns of Invasion Pre- and Post-Restoration of Blowing Rocks Preserve – Michael Renda 10:45 – 11:10 – Update from the Front Line – Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area – Tony Pernas 11:10 – 11:35 – Long-term Changes in Distribution and Abundance of Four Priority Invasive Species in the Florida Everglades – LeRoy Rodgers 11:35 – 12:00 – Using GIS Information to Estimate Desired Management Conditions and Treatment History for Exotic Vegetation Within Everglades National Park – Hillary Cooley

SESSION V – FIELD TRIPS – 12:30 – 4:30 Field Trip I. Pelican Island and Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuges (Leader: Oliver Van Den Ende) Field Trip II. Merritt Island NWR & Canaveral National Seashore (Leaders: Mike Legare and Kristin Kneifl)

4:00 – 06:00 – FINAL SILENT AUCTION BIDDING 6:00 – 10:00 – BANQUET, AWARDS, SILENT AUCTION PAYMENT/PICK-UP – OCEAN DECK PAVILION

FRIDAY, APRIL 10th – NOTE: SESSIONS VI AND VII RUN CONCURRENTLY WITH SESSIONS VIII and IX

SESSION VI – ARUBA ROOM – Moderator: Bill Overholt 8:00 – 8:10 – 2015 Update on the Invasive Plant Management Association (IPMA) – Jim Burney 8:10 – 8:35 – Damage by Calophya Latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) Results in Reduction of Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll and Growth of Brazilian Peppertree – Patricia Prade 8:35 – 9:00 – Biological Control of Air Potato, Dioscorea bulbifera L., in Florida – Eric Rohrig and Min Rayamajhi 9:00 – 9:25 –Will Biological Control Agents of Brazilian Peppertree Impact Poisonwood? – Jim Cuda 9:25 – 9:50 – Knock Tropical Soda Apple Out of the Park with a Newly Registered Biological Herbicide, SolviNix® LC – Raghavan “Charu” Charudattan

9:50 – 10:20 – NETWORKING BREAK – FOYER

SESSION VII: AQUATICS – ARUBA ROOM – Moderator: Greg MacDonald 10:20 – 10:45 – Incoming! Dealing with “New” Aquatic Weeds – Mike Bodle 10:45 – 11:10 – Herbicide Resistance Development in Aquatics – Lessons Learned For Invasive Plant Control Programs – Greg MacDonald 11:10 – 11:35 – A Change of Scenery – Exotic Species Impacts on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes – Dean Jones 11:35 – 12:00 – Can Herbicide Usage Be Reduced by Practicing Integrated Pest Management for Waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Control? – Lyn Gettys 12:00 – 12:25 – FLEPPC BUSINESS MEETING

CONCURRENT SESSIONS – ST. LUCIA ROOM – 2015 ANNUAL CISMA SESSION

SESSION VIII: STRATEGIZING ACROSS BOUNDARIES: CISMA EDRR PLANT LISTS AND STATEWIDE SURVEYS 8:00 – 8:20 – Sign in and Name That Weed 8:20 – 8:35 – FISP Co-Chair Welcome and Introductions – Kristina Serbesoff-King and Erin Myers 8:35 – 8:45 – What We Accomplished During Last Year’s Early Detection/Rapid Response Session – Cheryl Millett 8:45 – 9:05 – Defining EDRR – Greg Jubinsky and Gregg Walker 9:05 – 9:50 – Peer Review of Apalachicola CISMA EDRR Plant List and Group Discussion of CISMA EDRR Plant Lists – Brian Pelc, Greg Jubinsky and Gregg Walker 9:50 – 10:20 – NETWORKING BREAK – FOYER SESSION IX: STRATEGIZING ACROSS BOUNDARIES: CISMA EDRR PLANT LISTS AND STATEWIDE SURVEYS 10:20 – 11:05 – Uses of EDRR Plant Lists – Erin Myers 11:05 – 11:20 – Use of FWC EDRR Strike Team for Public Conservation Lands – Linda King 11:20 – 11:40 – Fall HalloWeed Count – 2014 Recap and 2015 Planning – Gregg Walker 11:40 – 12:00 – General Discussion, Wrap Up – Kris Serbesoff-King and Erin Myers 12:00 – 12:25 – FLEPPC BUSINESS MEETING

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FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE April 8 – 10, 2015 Melbourne, Florida

FIELD TRIPS – APRIL 9TH – 12:30 – 4:30 PM

Field Trip I. Pelican Island and Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuges

Trip leader: Oliver Van Den Ende, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, [email protected]

Pelican Island NWR has two major habitat-related projects. One is the restoration of maritime hammock following removal of citrus groves. Exotic treatments have helped reduce the intensity of mowing required to keep woody invasives under control. Additionally, it has helped reduce non-native grass cover.

The second large project is to continue to provide southeastern beach mouse habitat. Technically, this is not habitat restoration because we rely on exotics treatments and other management techniques to maintain old fields which the mouse colonized. However, the importance of this project can not be understated as Pelican Island Refuge supports the only known mouse population south of Sebastian Inlet.

Both of these sites can be viewed from our office off 4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach.

At Archie Carr NWR, exotics treatments, in addition to other scrub management, has helped support one of the highest known gopher tortoise densities on the refuge. In addition, exotic treatments will help us restore a dune site where a structure was recently removed.

These 2 projects are located just north of Ponce de Leon Park on both sides of A1A (3930 and 3865 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach).

Field Trip II. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge & Canaveral National Seashore

Trip leaders: Mike Legare, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Kristin Kneifl, Canaveral National Seashore, [email protected]

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge headquarters are located five miles east of U.S. 1 in Titusville, Florida. The Refuge, which is an overlay of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, was established in 1963 to provide a buffer zone for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the quest for space exploration. Approximately one half the Refuge's 140,000 acres consist of brackish estuaries and marshes. The remaining lands consist of coastal dunes, scrub oaks, pine forests and flatwoods, and palm and oak hammocks. Canaveral National Seashore, a National Park Service property, protects coastal shoreline on the central coast of Florida along with the associated coastal dune systems. Both properties have active invasive species removal programs in a variety of habitats. The field trip will take a look at past and active invasive species removal projects.

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ABSTRACTS – ORAL PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS

(in alphabetical order by author; panel discussion, CISMA sessions and posters are also listed separately at end of oral presentations)

Chuck Bargeron – Associate Director, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, University of Georgia, 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton GA, 229-386-3298, [email protected]

BUGWOOD – AGE 20, EDDMAPS – AGE 10

In 1995, two Professors with The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Warnell School for Forestry and Natural Resources, began collecting, digitizing and databasing 35mm slides. Now, Bugwood Images contains 230,000 images. In 2005, the Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council decided to start an early detection and mapping program for the southeast modeled after the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England. Now, EDDMapS is used in 45 states and 4 Canadian provinces and contains 2.6 million records. This presentation will focus on how computers, the Internet and smartphones have fundamentally changed outreach and the mapping of invasive species over the past 20 years. I will then suggest how these and other coming technologies will further revolutionize outreach, mapping and more.

Ganesh P. Bhattarai, Post-doctoral Associate, Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, 772-468-3922, [email protected]; Laura A. Meyerson, Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 1 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, 401-874-7058, [email protected]; Warwick J. Allen, Graduate Student, Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 103 Life Sciences Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, 225-578-7221, [email protected]; James T. Cronin, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 202 Life Sciences Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, 225-578-7218, [email protected],

PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS INVASION IN NORTH AMERICA: IMPACTS OF HURRICANES AND HERBIVORY (POSTER PRESENTATION)

Phragmites australis (common reed) is one of the most successful invaders in the wetlands of North America. It has been invading aggressively both the inland freshwater and brackish coastal marsh ecosystems of North America, producing large monotypic stands. The invasion by this species is followed by a series of ecological alterations in the wetland ecosystems: it replaces native plants, alters the diversity and composition of associated faunal communities, and changes ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and hydrological regime. Although the ecological consequences of P. australis invasion are well understood, little is known about the mechanisms supporting it.

We studied the importance of large scale disturbances and natural enemy pressure on P. australis invasion in North America. We tested the hypotheses that large-scale disturbance events, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, enhance the invasion success of introduced P. australis. The expansion rate of P. australis patches was strongly and positively related to the frequency of hurricane events along the coastal wetlands of the United States. Then, we studied herbivore pressure on native and introduced genotypes of P. australis along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of North America. Introduced P. australis received substantially less herbivore damage than the native genotypes suggesting the role of enemy release in the invasion success of introduced genotypes. Common garden experiments performed at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA) and University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) showed that the native plants were more palatable to insect herbivores than the introduced plants and received greater herbivore damage. These large-scale studies suggest that multiple processes might be contributing to the spread of the introduced genotypes of P. australis in North America and that the importance of these processes might vary along an environmental gradient.

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Mike Bodle, South Florida Water Management District, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL, 561-682-6132, [email protected]

INCOMING! DEALING WITH “NEW” AQUATIC WEEDS

Several “new,” and some not so new, plants are taking off in Florida waters and posing serious threats. Managing them has proven difficult. Hopes are that physical management and/or some of the newly-labelled aquatic herbicides will control them, either alone or in combination. Plants for discussion include: Luziola subintegra, Salvinia molesta, Nymphoides cristata, Rotala rotundifolia and Ludwigia grandiflora.

James L. Burney, Jr., President, Invasive Plant Management Association, 1860 W 10th Street, Riviera Beach, Florida, 33404, 561-719-9484, [email protected]

2015 UPDATE ON THE INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (IPMA)

In response to the continual challenges facing the funding of invasive plant management operations during each State Legislative Session and the potentially negative influence on Florida’s natural resources and those dependent on managing natural lands and waters, the not-for-profit 501(c)(6) advocacy organization, Invasive Plant Management Association (IPMA), was incorporated in 2012. IPMA was organized with the intent to provide the voice of upland and aquatic invasive plant management during our inaugural 2013 legislative session with the Mission being: “To foster sustained State funding for invasive plant management measures as an integral part of managing Florida’s natural lands and waters.” In 2014, the Strategic Outlook remained to foster an ingrained legislative culture of sustainable State funding for invasive plant control through continued representation by the lobbying firm Lewis, Longman, & Walker, PA. Specific goals for the 2014 legislative session (FY 2014-2015) included: Maintaining (or increasing) the Invasive Plant Management Trust Fund; Representing invasive plant management as an integral component of the proposed Amendment 1; and Continuing discussions for support of dedicated funding for invasive plant management on other State lands (in lieu of FWC Trust money). The purpose of this presentation is to provide a summary of FY 2014-15 budget successes and to outline strategic goals for influencing the State’s FY 2015-16 Budget.

Kristine Campbell, Fish and Wildlife Biologist II, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Invasive Plant Management Section, 6830 Shadowridge Dr. Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32812, 407-858-6170 Ext. 223, [email protected],; Cheryl B. Millett, Biologist, The Nature Conservancy, Tiger Creek Preserve, P.O. Box 630, Babson Park, FL 33827, 863-604-3352, [email protected],; Kristina Serbesoff-King, Associate Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33405, 561-744-6668, [email protected],

CENTRAL FLORIDA LYGODIUM STRATEGY: FOSTERING OLD AND NEW PARTNERSHIP TO STOP THE NORTHWARD SPREAD OF OLD WORLD CLIMBING FERN AND WHY WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP (POSTER PRESENTATION)

The Central Florida Lygodium Strategy (CFLS) is a landscape-scale partnership working to stop the northward migration of invasive Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) in Florida. CFLS coordinates survey, control and monitoring data, provides private lands initiatives, built an infrastructure to share the work and funding for effective early detection and rapid response across fence lines, and has “drawn a line on the vine” by establishing a sentinel zone across Central Florida to serve as a “firebreak” to stop the spread of this plant.

Collaborations are a vital function in CFLS operations. Partnering with Southwest Florida Water Management District has resulted in increased survey (especially aerial) and treatment capacity throughout their district as well FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 2 as Polk County. The USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority have also provided treatment support. Federal, state, county and other partners contribute funding, surveying, treatment, and outreach capacity. Detection is strengthened by more eyes trained to look, with EDDMapS reporting through the University of Georgia. In addition to private properties being treated in Pasco, Polk and Lake Counties, previously unreported infestations in Orange and Seminole counties have been discovered. More releases of the biological control Neo moth (Neomusotima conspurcatalis) are planned in Lake and Polk counties.

Through the CFLS private lands initiative, Conservancy staff and contractors now have surveyed over 18,500 acres, treated >1281 infested acres on 52 private properties, buffering 48 public conservation lands (within 5 km) in the northern priority zone. But we still need your help. More survey effort is needed from Lake County east to Volusia County and in the northernmost zone of Pasco, Hernando, Sumter, Marion, and Volusia counties. Through partnerships, CFLS is gaining a better understanding of the infestation distribution to thwart the northward spread of Old World climbing fern across Central Florida.

Raghavan “Charu” Charudattan, Emeritus Professor, Plant Pathology, University of Florida-IFAS, and President & CEO, BioProdex, Inc., 3131 NW 13th Street, Suite 54, Gainesville, FL 32609-2183; 352-278-1572; [email protected] or [email protected]

KNOCK TROPICAL SODA APPLE OUT OF THE PARK WITH A NEWLY REGISTERED BIOLOGICAL HERBICIDE, SOLVINIX® LC

Solanum viarum (tropical soda apple; TSA) is an exotic plant pest of pastures and wooded areas in cattle ranches and former ranch lands put into conservation. By recent estimates, about 404,000 hectares in Florida are infested with TSA, costing $6.5 million to $16 million annually to the landowners. TSA is an invasive or problematic weed in several other countries, including Brazil where it is native. It is a Noxious Weed in the United States and a Class 2 Regionally Prohibited Weed across New South Wales, Australia. Recently an EPA registered TSA-selective bioherbicide, SolviNix® LC, has been added to the current roster of best management options for TSA which include chemical herbicides (e.g., aminopyralid [MilestoneTM]) and the classical biological control agent Gratiana boliviana (a chrysomelid beetle). SolviNix® LC is the world’s first herbicide containing a plant virus as the active ingredient. The virus, Tobacco mild green mosaic tobamovirus strain U2, is a common, naturally occurring virus found in Florida and many other states. Upon infection, the virus elicits a hypersensitive systemic necrosis response in TSA and the plant dies as a result. SolviNix® LC is a post-emergent herbicide labeled for use in pastures and wooded areas. It is to be applied with a backpack sprayer or an herbicide wiper, both ideal for treating scattered TSA infestations, particularly in areas inaccessible to large spray equipment or mowers. Its selectivity to TSA and its exemption from a tolerance requirement are among the reasons this bioherbicide is eminently suitable for biodiversity-rich conservation lands, pastures containing clovers, perennial peanut, and other forage plants, and cattle producers concerned about herbicide residues in manure and milk. By applying the bioherbicide before fruit-set, further seed buildup in soil can be slowed or even stopped. Thus, SolviNix® LC can be a significant factor in the ecology and management of TSA.

Hyun Jung Cho, Professor, Department of Integrated Environmental Science, Bethune-Cookman University, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114; Don Spence, Science Teacher, Spruce Creek High School, 801 Taylor Road, Port Orange, FL 32127

FLOATING AND SUBMERGED AQUATICS IN RETENTION PONDS AND DRAINAGE DITCHES: THE GREATER DAYTONA BEACH AREA (POSTER PRESENTATION)

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Retention ponds and drainage ditches are constructed to relieve municipalities from flooding and protect adjacent water bodies from erosional deposition. There are numerous man-made retention ponds and canals in Florida; in the city of Daytona Beach alone there are close to 200 man-made ponds/canals. A field guide book on plants of retention ponds and drainage ditches was completed and published in both PDF and hard copies. The book lists and displays original photos and descriptions of 150 species of invasive and native plants in and along 100 retention ponds, ditches, and canals in the Greater Daytona Beach area. In conjunction with the development of this guide, we conducted a one-day workshop and field event at Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU). The event was designed to increase the public’s awareness of the invasive species problem and to highlight easily confused native and invasive species. The project involved 2 years of field work to conduct the inventory of aquatic plants, which included photographing and identifying species identified within the study area. Then we organized how the species would be presented in the publication, literature research, and publication. This project provide B-CU students, local environmental managers, local and state governmental representatives, and the general public with hands-on field experiences in understanding the status of invasive plants in their community. This project was conducted through a partnership among B-CU, various environmental and governmental agencies, and the local volunteers. The information gained will be beneficial to our partners because it will provide information which will help them limit the spread of invasive species and to help keep our natural areas free of these pests.

Hillary C. Cooley, Botanist, Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, 305-242- 7875, [email protected]; Shea Bruscia and Jed Redwine, SE Region of the National Park Service, 18001 Old Cutler Road 419, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157-6435, 305-252-0347

USING GIS INFORMATION TO ESTIMATE DESIRED MANAGEMENT CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT HISTORY FOR EXOTIC VEGETATION WITHIN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Everglades National Park (ENP), a designated World Heritage Site, is located at the southern peninsula of Florida. The park encompasses 1.5 million acres of protected lands, of which 1.3 million acres are designated as Wilderness. Exotic plant species are estimated to be present in 200,000-300,000 gross acres (or approximately 30% of the land mass) of ENP. Approximately 1,030 plant species have been recorded in the park. Of these, over 270 species are non-native. The four exotic plant species that are currently of the highest management concern and affect the largest proportion of ENP by area are: melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Australian pine (Casuarina spp.), Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) and Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius). The other approximately 266 exotic plant species vary in degree of their potential to invade and their distribution pattern.

The Exotic Vegetation Management Program at ENP defined the desired management state of the four species as highest management concern. The 2013 Digital Aerial Sketch Mapping polygons for these same species were then converted to a GIS layer for the percent canopy cover per 1 km2 and compared with the desired condition. The Exotic Vegetation Management Program at ENP also used the past exotic vegetation treatment history to create GIS layers that represent frequency of treatment and the time since last treatment. This information provides park managers with helpful information as to where to next prioritize limited resources.

James P. Cuda, Professor and Fulbright Scholar, UF/ IFAS Entomology & Nematology Department, PO Box 110620, Gainesville, FL 32611-0620, 352-273-3921, [email protected] ; William A. Overholt, Professor, Biological Control Research & Containment Laboratory, Indian River REC, UF/ IFAS, 2199 S. Rock Rd., Ft. Pierce, FL 34945-3138, 772- 468-3922, [email protected]

WILL BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS OF BRAZILIAN PEPPERTREE IMPACT POISONWOOD?

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), is an invasive, rapidly colonizing woody shrub of disturbed habitats, natural communities and conservation areas predominantly in central and south Florida. FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 4

Conventional methods for controlling Brazilian peppertree include burning, various forms of physical extraction and spraying of herbicides. The state of Florida spends millions of dollars annually managing large infestations of Brazilian peppertree on public lands alone. Biological control with host specific natural enemies is a more environmentally sustainable management tactic because no native relatives of the genus Schinus (the taxonomic group to which Brazilian peppertree belongs) occur in the US, and this control method can be integrated with conventional control practices. One of the objectives of our research program is to examine the host specificity/impact of candidate biological control agents. A stem boring weevil Apocnemidophorus pipitzi (Faust) from Paraguay, a stem feeding thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) and two species of leaflet galling psyllids of the genus Calophya from Brazil are natural enemies of Brazilian peppertree. Poisonwood, Metopium toxiferum (L.) Krug & Urb., is a critical test plant because this native anacard is an important food source for the threatened white-crowned pigeon, Patagioenas leucocephala L., and its distribution overlaps with Brazilian peppertree in south Florida. The native sawfly Arge humeralis (Beauvois), previously known to feed only on the native poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans L., was discovered recently attacking poisonwood. The implications of this new host association will be discussed in the context of the aforementioned candidate Brazilian peppertree biological control agents.

Stephen F. Enloe, Associate Professor, UF/IFAS Agronomy Department/Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, 7922 NW 71st St, Gainesville, FL 32653, 352-392-6841, [email protected]

CHINESE TALLOW CONTROL: CAN ANY TREATMENT STOP SPROUTING?

Chinese tallow is an invasive tree found throughout the southeastern United States. Its negative impacts can be seen in numerous natural and managed ecosystems including bottomland hardwood forests, pastures, pine plantations, and along lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. Despite its troublesome presence for many decades, relatively few effective control strategies are available. Root sprouting following management efforts is a major impediment to successful control. Studies were conducted in Alabama and Louisiana at three locations to test several herbicides for cut stump, basal bark, and foliar individual plant treatment methods. Herbicide treatments included triclopyr amine and ester formulations, imazamox, aminopyralid, aminocyclopyrachlor, and fluroxypyr. Data were collected just before leaf senescence one and two growing seasons after treatment, and included Chinese tallow foliar cover, number of stump or root collar sprouts and number of sprouts originating from lateral roots within a one meter radius of each tree. For the cut stump and basal bark studies, most herbicide treatments prevented sprouting from the stump or root collar region better than from lateral roots. Aminopyralid reduced total sprouting better than all other treatments in the cut stump study. The high rates of aminocyclopyrachlor and fluroxypyr resulted in the highest mortality in the basal bark study. Aminocyclo-pyrachlor reduced total sprouting better than all other herbicides in the foliar treatment study. Triclopyr amine and ester formulations, which are commercial standards, did not consistently control Chinese tallow across these IPT studies. These studies provide some promising treatments to increase the number of effective tools that can be used to manage Chinese tallow. Additional research is needed to address the prolific nature of lateral root sprouting following any of these treatment methods.

Lyn A. Gettys, Assistant Professor, Aquatic and Wetland Plant Science, University of Florida Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, 3205 College Ave, Davie FL 33314, 954-577-6331, [email protected]; Phil Tipping, USDA ARS IPRL, 3225 College Ave., Davie, FL 33314, 954-475-6547, [email protected] ; and Carl J. Della Torre III, University of Florida Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, 3205 College Ave, Davie FL 33314, 954-577-6360, [email protected]

CAN HERBICIDE USAGE BE REDUCED BY PRACTICING INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR WATERHYACINTH (EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES) CONTROL?

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Waterhyacinth is the most intensively managed floating aquatic weed in Florida. It is usually managed with herbicides, most often with 2,4-D. More than $3 million in public money is spent in Florida annually to manage floating aquatic weeds – including waterhyacinth and waterlettuce – in public waters, so even a small reduction in the amount of herbicide used for waterhyacinth management could represent significant long-term savings for Florida resource managers. Several biological control agents are utilized for waterhyacinth management in many countries with mixed results. The newest biological control agent for waterhyacinth is Megamelus scutellaris, which was first released in 2010 and is currently being evaluated on waterhyacinth in Florida. In these experiments we evaluated the impact of combining different rates of 2,4-D with biological control agents on waterhyacinth growth and development. We used a 3 x 2 factorial with 3 rates of 2,4-D (control, low rate, operational rate) and 2 levels of insect biological control (no insects, unrestricted attack by Neochetina sp. weevils and Megamelus scutellaris) in a RCBD with 5 blocks (replications). Plants were cultured for 3 months after 2,4-D treatments, then rated, harvested and analyzed to evaluate the combined and individual effects of insect biological control and herbicide rates on waterhyacinth growth and development. These experiments revealed that herbicide-treated plants without biological control insects recovered from 2,4-D damage, while herbicide-treated plants with biological control insects did not. These results suggest that it may be possible to reduce 2,4-D applications for waterhyacinth management if biological control insects are introduced to or present in the treatment area.

Kelli L. Gladding, Market Development and Technical Support Specialist, SePRO Corporation, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, 386-409-1175, [email protected]

CLEARCAST BEST USE PATTERNS AND NEW USES FOR STINGRAY

Operational evaluation of Clearcast®, a.i. imazamox, has proven to be a selective tool when targeting plant species such as Chinese tallow, Phragmites, saltcedar, cattails, water hyacinth and Nymphoides cristata. Selectivity around and over the top of certain native hardwood trees and grasses has allowed for a more aggressive approach for control, thereby increasing biodiversity and native plant recovery. Stingray®, a.i. carfentrazone, has recently become operationally used to control water hyacinth, water lettuce, and Ludwigia grandiflora/ hexapetala. Field evaluations have shown a high level of selectivity to beneficial species such as bulrush. Stingray also appears to have an additive impact on glyphosate, tryclopyr, and imazamox tank mix partners.

Doria R. Gordon, The Nature Conservancy and Department of Biology, PO Box 118526, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352 392-5949, [email protected]; Deah Lieurance, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, PO Box 110500, University of Florida/IFAS, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-294-1580, [email protected]; and S. Luke Flory, Agronomy Department, PO Box 110500, University of Florida/IFAS, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-231- 2376, [email protected]

CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PREDICTED RISK AND INVASION STATUS OF NON-NATIVE VINE SPECIES IN FLORIDA

The pattern that vines have a particularly high probability of invasion in new habitats relative to other plant growth forms is of concern in Florida, where at least 89 vine species have been introduced. We evaluated whether predicted invasion risk using a weed risk assessment (WRA) tool matches actual invasion status in Florida’s natural areas for these vine species. The WRA predicted that over 70% of the species have a high probability of invasion. The longevity of species presence in the flora significantly influenced the accuracy of this prediction: over 50% of those species documented in Florida for longer than 50 years are currently invasive in Florida’s natural areas, while 35% of those introduced more recently are invasive. Fewer than 5% of species that are invasive were incorrectly predicted to be of low risk for invasion. Earlier work demonstrated that the WRA has over 90% accuracy in predicting terrestrial plant invaders regardless of growth form, suggesting that the number of invasive

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 6 vine species in Florida is likely to increase. Early control and prevention efforts for high invasion risk species may be warranted to avoid ecological impacts to Florida’s natural areas.

Drew Hiatt, M.S. Student, University of Florida, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 110500, Gainesville, FL 32611, (352) 294-1593, [email protected], and S. Luke Flory, Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS, PO Box 110500, Gainesville, FL 32611, (352) 231-2376, [email protected]

VARIATION IN PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY AND COMPETITIVE ABILITY AMONG FLORIDA POPULATIONS OF THE INVASIVE COGONGRASS (IMPERATA CYLINDRICA) (STUDENT PRESENTATION)

Phenotypic plasticity may be a common feature of non-native invasive plants and a potential mechanism that allows them to out-compete native species for limited resources in new environments. For example, under low light conditions, species that exhibit plastic responses such as taller and wider leaves may be better able to obtain limiting resources. Understanding the amount of variation in plasticity among populations of invasive plants could help predict habitats susceptible to invasion and the potential for evolution of greater plasticity and invasiveness. We evaluated phenotypic plasticity in response to experimental shade and competitive effects on native C4 perennial bunch grasses for 12 Florida populations of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica). Populations were collected along a latitudinal gradient from Pensacola to Coral Gables, FL and evaluated in an ongoing mesocosm field experiment with full sun and 60% shade treatments. Our goal is to answer three specific questions: 1) Are populations of cogongrass more phenotypically plastic than native species when exposed to shade conditions?; 2) What are the competitive effects of cogongrass and do effects differ based on light availability?; and 3) Is there variation among populations in plasticity or competitive ability? Our preliminary results suggest that the plasticity of cogongrass populations from peninsular Florida in response to shade is greater than the plastic response of panhandle populations. Cogongrass also appears to exhibit higher phenotypic plasticity than co-occurring native grasses, which may explain its superior competitive ability across diverse light environments. Additional data from our experiment will further elucidate differences in phenotypic plasticity and competitive ability among cogongrass populations with important implications for understanding the ecology and management of this aggressive invasive species.

Colette C. Jacono, PhD, Courtesy Asst. Research Scientist, University of Florida Herbarium, Florida Museum of Natural History, 379 Dickinson Hall, PO Box 110575, Gainesville, FL 32611-0575, [email protected], 352-318-2931

RECENT CATEGORY I AND CATEGORY II ADDITIONS TO THE FLEPPC LIST OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES

Eleven recent additions have been made to the FLEPPC List of Invasive Plant Species, five in 2013 and six this year. Over half of the species originally range from the Americas, with two from Africa and the remaining two from Asia/Australia. Most occur as herbaceous annual to perennials while two are woody – one tropical, and the other of more temperate origin. Descriptions, field recognition, and key identification characters will be presented for each species. Habitat preferences and Florida range will be discussed and criteria assessed by the FLEPPC Plant List Committee during the listing process will be reviewed.

Dean Jones, Senior Biological Scientist, University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, Fl, 33850, 863-956-8730, [email protected]

A CHANGE OF SCENERY – EXOTIC SPECIES IMPACTS ON THE KISSIMMEE CHAIN OF LAKES

Exotic invasive species have been managed on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (KCOL) for more than 40 years. The majority of this work over the years focused on managing Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Hydrilla verticillata. Although this work continues, Oxycaryum cubense and Ludwigia grandiflora/hexapetala have become FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 7 major problems on the KCOL. The recent expansion of Ludwigia in the KCOL has been of concern due to the ability of this plant to displace native emergent vegetation. While being managed aggressively, native emergent habitat is being lost when managing late in the invasion cycle. Survey designs and technology advances will be discussed as well as comparing results from 2009 and 2014 surveys. In addition, current management strategies and future research objectives will be reviewed.

Greg Jubinsky, Invasive Plant Field Research Scientist ([email protected]) ; Gregg Walker, Invasive Plant Research Scientist ([email protected]) , Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 1018 Thomasville Road, Suite 200-C, Tallahassee, FL 32303, 850-224-8207 ext. 206

THE FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY: THE PARTNERSHIP WITH FISP, CISMAS AND FWC

The mission of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) is to collect, interpret, and share ecological information critical to the conservation of Florida’s biological diversity. That mission includes developing and sharing information about invasive species, which are a significant threat to the ecological integrity of Florida’s natural systems and biodiversity.

Beginning in 2001, FNAI has worked closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to develop and implement a baseline record and monitoring tool for invasive plants on public conservation lands, and. has documented more than 124,000 records of 150 species of invasive exotic plants occurring in Florida. These data are managed in a standardized geodatabase and are spatially explicit allowing useful GIS analysis.

In 2011, FNAI was charged with creating a list of potential EDRR species from the best available information from CISMA partners, FLEPPC, FISP, FNAI, IFAS and EDDMapS. FNAI’s work continues with the development, stream- lining and implementation of a statewide EDRR program, working closely with CISMAs in the hopes of preventing new invasive species from becoming established. Additionally, FNAI intends to support an increased state-wide perspective of the EDRR concept and proposes to bring greater effectiveness to the EDRR process to fulfill the FISP mantra of “thinking locally and acting neighborly.”

This presentation will also encourage attendees to become part of the solution by attending the CISMA Breakout Session and EDRR Workshop on Friday from 8am to 12pm. FNAI staff will lead a discussion on a range of issues that can be improved upon to increase the likelihood of EDRR success stories across the state!

Deah Lieurance, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, PO Box 110500 University of Florida/IFAS, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-294-1580, [email protected]; and S. Luke Flory, Agronomy Department, PO Box 110500 University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-231-2376, [email protected]

A NEW WEBSITE TO ACCESS THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE UF/IFAS ASSESSMENT OF NON-NATIVE PLANTS IN FLORIDA’S NATURAL AREAS

The detrimental economic and ecological effects of invasive, non-native species are especially evident in the natural areas of Florida. Preventing high-risk species from being released into natural areas and managing invasive species early in the invasion process can reduce these effects. To identify species most likely to invade and cause damage in Florida’s natural areas, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) developed The IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (IFAS Assessment). The IFAS Assessment currently provides evaluations of invasion risk for over 850 non-native plant species. In November 2014 the IFAS Assessment launched an interactive, searchable website and database to help people in different regions determine whether a non-native plant should be avoided or removed, or if it is safe to plant. Results in the database are specific to the north, central, and south regions (or zones) of the state. The database can be filtered by

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 8 zone, conclusion type, origin, growth habit, and evaluation method. IFAS Assessment staff are actively identifying and evaluating potentially problematic non-native species and species are regularly re-evaluated to determine if their status has changed. New species entries and revisions to the current recommendations are updated frequently in the database so users have access to the most current information. The new IFAS Assessment website provides a user-friendly tool for Floridians to manage and conserve our valuable natural resources by helping to reduce the spread of current invasions and prevent the introduction of future invasive plants.

Greg MacDonald, Agronomy Department and Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida/IFAS, PO Box 110500, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352 392-1811 Ext. 228, [email protected]

HERBICIDE RESISTANCE DEVELOPMENT IN AQUATICS – LESSONS LEARNED FOR INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL PROGRAMS.

Herbicide resistance has become a major concern among weed control practitioners in aquatic plant management in Florida over the past 10-15 years. Since the discovery of fluridone resistant hydrilla, managers have become acutely aware of the impact this phenomenon had in Florida. Resistance development is accelerated by the use of a single herbicide, single control method (i.e. herbicide alone) and repeated treatments. Many of the scenarios that lead to the development of herbicide resistance in aquatic plant control programs in Florida are similar to the scenarios currently practiced for upland invasive plant control. We are treating a larger suite of species in wetland and upland environments, but the herbicide options are more limited, especially with the registration of new compounds for aquatics in the past 8 years. Managers rely heavily on three herbicides – glyphosate, imazapyr and triclopyr, and the loss of one due to resistance would be devastating. The presentation will focus on factors that drive resistance development, the consequences of resistance, and how to prevent resistance.

Erin P. Myers, DVM, MS, Private Lands Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service, 12085 SR 29 South, Immokalee, FL 34142, 239-657-8009, [email protected] ; Kristina Serbesoff-King, Associate Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, Florida 33455, 561-744-6668, [email protected]

THE FLORIDA INVASIVE SPECIES PARTNERSHIP – WORKING TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS (POSTER PRESENTATION) The Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) is a collaboration of federal, state and local agencies together with non-government organizations, formed to link efforts in invasive species prevention and management across agency and property boundaries in Florida. Our mission is to foster partnerships as an additional tool in these efforts by increasing communication, coordination and the use of shared resources. FISP builds community awareness, leverages limited resources through cooperation, and may reduce land management costs. The ultimate goal is to conserve wildlife habitat, working agricultural and forest lands, natural communities and biodiversity in Florida. To date, 17 Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are established, covering 97.6% of Florida. CISMAs are partnerships to manage invasive species in geographically defined areas of Florida. FISP supports CISMA development with monthly webinars, website and work plan guidance, strategic and organizational plan templates, and an annual CISMA session at the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium where experiences are shared. The FISP Landowner Assistance Database provided on the FISP website (www.FloridaInvasives.org) connects Florida landowners and land managers with financial and technical support from agencies and organizations. Information about cost-sharing programs, grants and/or technical assistance helps private and public land managers with resource management and helps complement control efforts across boundaries. FISP promotes and

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 9 encourages the reporting and mapping of invasive species through links and training with the Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) found at www.EDDMapS.org/Florida. Through these coordinated efforts and continued achievements we are able to protect our ecosystems from the continuing colonization of invasive species across the landscape.

Brian D. Pelc, Restoration Project Manager, North Florida Program, The Nature Conservancy Chair, Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance CISMA, 236 E 5th Ave, Tallahassee FL 32303, 850-222-0199 ext 103, [email protected] 6 MONTH ASSESSMENT OF NATAL GRASS (MELINIS REPENS) MANAGEMENT IN A NOVEL HABITAT: A REPEATABLE MODEL FOR RAPID PLANNING/MANAGEMENT FOR EARLY DETECTION/RAPID RESPONSE SPECIES

The “Early Detection/Rapid Response” (ED/RR) designation has offered a new way for land managers to identify, prioritize and manage invasive plants on a local and regional level across Florida. Many Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) in the state annually list potential new invasive threats with the understanding that small, young or isolated populations are more easily eradicated than large, established ones. However, little is known about how recent ED/RR species respond to treatment efforts that are copied from locations where the species is more common. Latitude, local weather patterns and time since arrival could all affect treatment outcomes and an investment in small, short term trials may save time and effort. Furthermore, Integrated Pest Management guidelines suggest that multiple treatment tools may be necessary to limit chemical resistance and improve overall treatment. Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance (ARSA) CISMA began listing ED/RR species in 2012 and Natal grass (Melinis repens) has remained a top priority in the lists that followed in 2013 and 2014. This species is a well-established invasive in central and south Florida, but is only found in two coastal locations in the Panhandle. One location, Alligator Point, is a narrow peninsula bookended by public and private conservation lands with hundreds of small, privately owned and developed beach parcels between. Because herbicide is not widely accepted among private landowners and early attempts at mechanical control failed, we deployed a small scale, short term observation of 5 treatment options on 30 1-m diameter plots distributed across both public and private property. After 6 months, we found one mechanical treatment (whole plant pull) and two chemical treatments (post-emergent and pre- and post-emergent herbicides) were highly effective at reducing natal grass cover while one mechanical treatment (seed head clipping) was similar to control. These results will inform public outreach and provide options for treatment on conservation properties.

Tony J. Pernas, Coordinator, National Park Service Florida/Caribbean EPMT, 18001 Old Cutler Road, Suite 419, Palmetto Bay, Florida 33157, 786-249-0073 [email protected]; and Dennis J. Giardina, Everglades Region Biologist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Invasive Plant Management Section, 298 Sabal Palm Road, Naples, FL 34114, 239-229-5403, [email protected]

AN UPDATE FROM THE FRONT LINE – EVERGLADES COOPERATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT AREA

The Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) is a formal partnership of federal, state, and local government agencies, tribes, individuals and various interested groups that manage invasive species within a geographic boundary that includes the Everglades Protection Area, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and part of Palm Beach County. The subtropical climate of South Florida, its network of drainage canals and ample natural areas has provided an attractive environment for the proliferation of invasive exotic plants and animals. The restoration of the Everglades also poses new challenges for invasive species management and has created a need for a more defined commitment to cooperation across borders. This presentation will feature several of ECISMA’s EDRR initiatives and ongoing management efforts, including the creation of Friends of ECISMA (FOE Inc.), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 10

Patricia Prade, University of Florida, Biological Control Research & Containment Laboratory, 2199 South Rock Rd., Fort Pierce, FL 34945, 772-468-3922, [email protected]; Rodrigo Diaz, Louisiana State University, Department of Entomology, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, 225-578-1835, [email protected]; Marcelo D. Vitorino, Universidade Regional de Blumenau, Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Rua Sao Paulo 3250, Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil 89030-000, +55 47-3221-6038, [email protected]; James P. Cuda, University of Florida, Department of Entomology & Nematology, P. O. Box 110620, Gainesville, FL 32611-0620, 352-273-3921, [email protected]; William A. Overholt, University of Florida, Biological Control Research & Containment Laboratory, 2199 South Rock Rd., Ft. Pierce, FL 34945, 772-468-3922, [email protected]

DAMAGE BY CALOPHYA LATIFORCEPS (HEMIPTERA: CALOPHYIDAE) RESULTS IN REDUCTION OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS, CHLOROPHYLL AND GROWTH OF BRAZILIAN PEPPERTREE

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) is one of the worst uplands weeds in Florida. The gall-inducing psyllid Calophya latiforceps Burckhardt (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) is a host specific natural enemy collected in Salvador, Brazil. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of galling on plant performance and sapling growth under greenhouse conditions at the BCRCL, Ft. Pierce, FL. Photosynthesis was measured on 8-month-old saplings with and without C. latiforceps. Galled leaves of plants infested with insects exhibited 2.2, 2.7 and 4.1- times lower levels of photosynthesis compared to leaves without galls at 15, 30 and 45 d after nymphs settled, respectively. The impact of gall formation on leaf chlorophyll and leaf area was measured by following the performance of plants with and without galls. We tagged three young leaves per plant and followed their performance over a 70 d period. After 15 d, the chlorophyll content of leaves with galls was on average 1.1-times lower compared to leaves without galls. After 69 days, the change in leaf area of leaves with galls was 92.0 ± 11.0 cm2 compared to 130.8 ± 6.0 cm2 for leaves without galls. The impact on sapling growth also was measured on 20- 25 cm tall plants with and without galls. Variables measured included plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area in three different parts of the plant: bottom, middle and top. The area of leaves located in the middle and the top of the plants was 2.6- and 7.8-fold smaller, respectively, on plants with insects compared to those without. Plant height, leaf abscission, and relative growth rate were 1.4-fold shorter, 4.1-fold greater, and 1.1-fold lower, respectively, in the plants with insects compared to those without. Under field conditions, high densities of galls are predicted to negatively impact growth, and perhaps reproductive output of Brazilian peppertree.

Michael Renda, Conservation Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, (561)744-6668, [email protected]

DISCUSSING PATTERNS OF INVASION PRE- AND POST-RESTORATION OF BLOWING ROCKS PRESERVE

Approximately 4,000 large Australian pine trees (Casuarina equisetifolia) and thousands of Brazilian pepper trees (Schinus terebinthifolius) and latherleaf (Colubrina asiatica) dominated 48 of the 73 total acres at Blowing Rocks Preserve before restoration activities began in 1985. After 30 years of invasive plant removal and management, patterns of pre- and post-restoration of invasive plant species have been observed. Early to mid-20th century human soil disturbances like road construction, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) dredging and mosquito ditching caused the initial massive establishment of wind dispersed Australian pine seeds onto bare soil. The pines subsequently blocked salt spray and may have facilitated the invasion of bird dispersed Brazilian pepper seeds into coastal strand and tropical hammock vegetation. Pepper dominated the site from the 1970s until the restoration. Salt spray blockage likely caused the spread and dominance of native morning glories (Ipomoea alba and I. indica) within coastal strand and live oak hammock. Other species like latherleaf and half flower (Scaevola taccada) also invaded utilizing the ICW and ocean to spread seeds. Latherleaf strongly dominated the shoreline and was directly competing with shoreline mangroves. Other invasive species were also present. Post-restoration, Australian pine invasion rapidly declined. Brazilian pepper invasion showed decline after a few years but then continued as a major management problem as sapling and fruiting trees appeared throughout with no discernable pattern. FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 11

Carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), also bird dispersed, was present pre-restoration and continued much like Brazilian pepper as invading throughout the preserve. Fortunately carrotwood trees do not fruit heavily with native competition. Latherleaf also continues to be a problem, with small infestations also located on nearby private lands. The native morning glory also continues to dominate and outcompete native plants. Understanding these patterns may assist land managers in adjusting restoration and management techniques and timing.

LeRoy Rodgers, Land Resources Bureau, South Florida Water Management District, 3301 Gun Club Road, MS- 5230, West Palm Beach, FL 33406, 561-682-2773, [email protected] ; Tony Pernas, Jed Redwine, Shea Bruscia, National Park Service, Biological Resources Management Division, Florida/Caribbean Exotic Plant Management Team, 18001 Old Cutler Road, Suite 419, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157-6422; 786-249-0073, [email protected] ; Amy Peters, South Florida Water Management District, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406

LONG-TERM CHANGES IN DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF FOUR PRIORITY INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES

Four invasive, non-indigenous plant species—Australian pine (Casuarina spp.), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquefolia), and Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum)—are well established in the Greater Everglades region and are high priorities for control due to documented ecological impacts. The South Florida Water Management District, National Park Service, and other partner agencies have conducted region-wide aerial surveillance and mapping for these four species since 1993. A primary objective of the survey program is to estimate the regional distribution and relative abundance of invasive plants targeted for management. Data presented here were collected in 1993, 2003 and 2015 within the Everglades Protection Area. Biologists made visual estimates of invasive plant locations and infestation intensity in low-flying aircraft along fixed east-west transects separated on 4-km intervals. Zonal analysis using a 4-km grid system facilitated assessments of landscape level changes in distribution and abundance of the four species. Survey results indicate a region-wide decline in melaleuca and Australian pine between 1995 and 2015, while Brazilian pepper and Old World climbing fern exhibit large increases over major parts of the landscape. Decadal changes of distribution and abundance of the four priority species reflect both the successes of management programs (e.g., interagency melaleuca management plan) and continued challenges of managing highly invasive species in remote areas of the Everglades.

Eric Rohrig, Biological Scientist, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, 1911 SW 34th Street Gainesville, Florida, 32608, 352-395-4744, [email protected]; Min Rayamajhi, Research Plant Pathologist, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 3225 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314, 954-475-6552, [email protected]; William Overholt, Professor, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945, [email protected], 772-468-3922 x 143.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF AIR POTATO, DIOSCOREA BULBIFERA L., IN FLORIDA

Air potato, Dioscorea bulbifera L., is an invasive Old World perennial vine in the southeastern United States where it smothers native vegetation and displaces wildlife. The air potato beetle, Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an aggressive folivore in both the larval and adult stages, was discovered in China and Nepal by scientists at the USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Approval for statewide release was granted by USDA-APHIS after quarantine host range testing concluded beetles are highly specific to D. bulbifera. Adults are bright red, approximately 8-9 mm long, and can live more than five months. Beetle development from egg lay to adult emergence requires approximately 28 days. Females produce an average of

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 12 over 2000 eggs during their lifetime which are deposited in clusters on the underside of young leaves. The air potato biological control program is a multi-agency collaborative project between USDA-ARS, FDACS-DPI, and UF/IFAS. The program involves plant and insect research as well as the mass rearing and release of beetles throughout Florida. Over 300,000 beetles have been released to date in over 40 counties. Widespread beetle establishment and self-dispersal has been observed in much of southern and central Florida. Beetles have successfully reduced vine growth, spread, height, and bulbil production in many areas. Another potential biological control agent of air potato, Lilioceris egena (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a voracious bulbil feeder, is currently undergoing quarantine testing at USDA-ARS-IPRL.

Mark Rizzo, Orange County & Central Florida CISMA co-chair, Senior Environmental Specialist, Environmental Protection Division, Green PLACE Program, 800 Mercy Drive, Suite 4, Orlando, FL 32808, 407-836-1536, [email protected] ; Sherry Williams, Seminole County & Central Florida CISMA co-chair, Ed Yarborough Nature Center, 3485 N. CR 426, Geneva, FL 32732, 407-349-0551, [email protected]

FLEPPC CISMA GRANT – CENTRAL FLORIDA CISMA AND OAKLAND NATURE PRESERVE (POSTER PRESENTATION)

Oakland Nature Preserve (ONP) is a non-profit managed preserve that heavily relies on grants and assistance from organizations and governments in order to perform habitat management activities. In an effort to assist ONP, the Central Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CF CISMA) applied for and received a Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council CISMA grant to assist with treatment and mapping of invasive species. Target species included cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), tuberous sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum).

Nicole Sebesta, MS Candidate, FIU, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, 954-654-1569; [email protected]; Dr. Jennifer Richards, Professor, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 305-348-3102, [email protected] ; Jonathan Taylor, Restoration Program Manager, Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, 305-242-7876, [email protected]

THE EFFECTS OF FIRE ON SPORE VIABILITY OF LYGODIUM MICROPHYLLUM (STUDENT PRESENTATION)

Lygodium microphyllum (Old World Climbing Fern), native to the Old World tropics, has invaded central and south Florida, diminishing the quality of native habitats, reducing biodiversity and potentially altering fire regimes. Prescribed fire, one of several methods used to manage infestations, reduces fern biomass over large areas, but its effects on L. microphyllum growth and reproduction are poorly understood. While updrafts created by the fire may enhance spore dispersal, it is unknown whether these spores are viable. If the spores are intolerant of temperatures below those required for ignition, fire may help reduce Lygodium spread more than anticipated by killing spores on unburnt plants or in the environment. In order to determine what temperatures kill spores, we designed lab experiments to quantify spore viability in response to heating. We exposed spores to temperatures ranging from 35°C to 95°C for durations ranging from several minutes to several hours; we then followed spore germination on nutrient agar in petri plates placed in growth chambers. Temperatures of 35°C had little effect; 95°C killed spores at all durations. Between these temperatures, spore viability decreased with increasing temperature and duration. Results indicate that spores are killed well below ignition temperatures and that viability of unburnt spores depends on temperature and duration of heat exposure.

Kristina Serbesoff-King, Associate Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33405, [email protected], 561-744-6668; Erin Myers, Private Lands Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service, 12085 SR 29 South, Immokalee, FL 34142, 239-657-8009, erin_myers

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 13

@fws.gov; Gregg Walker, Invasive Plant Research Scientist, [email protected], Greg Jubinsky, Invasive Plant Field Research Scientist, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 1018 Thomasville Road, Suite 200-C, Tallahassee, FL 32303, (850) 224-8207 ext. 206, [email protected]

STRATEGIZING ACROSS BOUNDARIES: CISMA EARLY DETECTION RAPID RESPONSE PLANT LISTS AND STATEWIDE SURVEYS

This concurrent session will be attended by representatives from many of Florida’s 17 CISMAs. The Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) serves as the informal “umbrella” organization over Florida’s 17 Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). For the 9th year, Florida’s CISMA leads and members will meet at the FLEPPC symposium to jointly focus on issues that cross all CISMA boundaries. This year, we will continue our efforts to effectively develop and use early detection rapid response plant lists and to collectively plan for state- 0wide surveys. All are welcome – this is not a “sit and listen” session but an active engagement, full-on discussion to collectively continue to advance our success with using local partnerships to address the threat of invasive species in Florida. Think Locally – Act Neighborly – Invasive Species Know No Boundaries and Neither Do We!

Adrienne M. Smith, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110675, Gainesville, FL 32611, [email protected], 352-273-4868; Carrie Reinhardt Adams, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110675, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-273- 4502, [email protected]; Christine Wiese, Biologist, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110675, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-273-4504, [email protected]; Sandra B. Wilson, Professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110670, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-294- 3059, [email protected]

RESTORING MEXICAN PETUNIA (RUELLIA SIMPLEX)-INVADED FLOODPLAIN FORESTS: FIELD TEST REVEALS LIMITATIONS TO REVEGETATION EFFORTS (STUDENT – POSTER PRESENTATION)

Planting or seeding native species may be one method to restore the native plant community and limit reinvasion of invasive plants following initial chemical control. Active revegetation with native species may promote native species establishment and limit reinvasion, but the outcomes of these methods are highly variable and influenced by many factors e.g. timing of planting and planting densities. Small scale tests of these approaches are needed before application at the landscape level. To explore this issue, we researched invasions of Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex), a commonly planted ornamental species known for invading natural areas and displacing native plant communities throughout the southeastern United States. It is listed as a FLEPPC Category I invasive species, and is not recommended for use by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida. Land managers have emphasized the need for control, yet little information is available on effective, economical, and logistically feasible control methods. A single application of glyphosate during fall or spring initially controlled Mexican petunia, but natural recolonization did not restore the native plant community and reinvasion occurs. In a revegetation study using different native species propagule types (seeds and plugs), we found that revegetation methods did not establish native species that could compete with reinvading Mexican petunia in the first year after a single application of glyphosate. It is possible that site level factors, e.g. invasive propagule pressure and elevated soil nutrients from stormwater runoff, could have limited establishment of native species in our treatments. Further research into restoration of Mexican petunia-invaded lands should consider these limitations. Restoration of the native plant community may require several years with multiple seeding/planting efforts of native species in conjunction with additional chemical control of Mexican petunia. More work is needed to identify applicable strategies for land managers.

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Heather VanHueveln , MS Student, University of Florida/IFAS Agronomy Department, PO BOX 110505, Gainesville, FL 32611, 786-400-3176, [email protected]

SEED BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF CHINESE TALLOW IN FLORIDA (STUDENT PRESENTATION)

Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) is a habitat transforming, invasive tree species now present throughout the Southeastern United States. It’s high growth rate and large seed loads can transform unmonitored lands into monotypic tree stands within 5-10 years. Though successful control can be achieved through the use of broadleaf herbicides, the regular occurrence of shoot regrowth can make multiple, applications necessary to achieve control. To determine the most effective control strategies that are currently available for Chinese tallow tree, we evaluated the use of 3 different herbicide application methods (basal, hack n squirt and cut stump) used in conjunction with several commonly used broadleaf herbicides (imazapyr, aminocyclopyrachlor, triclopyr, glyphosate and hexazinone) using the current recommended rates. These trials were established at 3 different sites in North and Central Florida, first established in December-January 2013 and repeated in December 2014 and February 2015.

With seed dispersal and persistence largely responsible for site re-establishment after treatment, we also established a seed bank persistence study and seed germination trials at our Gainesville location. The purpose was to determine the potential duration of an established seed bank and the viability/germination capacity of seeds from capsule split to seed drop from the tree. Seed bank persistence was monitored using 1x1 meter seed exclusion frames replicated 10X, where seedling emergence has been recorded monthly since February 2014. Results indicate a seedling emergence window from March-June, peaking in April. Seed viability/germination since capsule split was also evaluated by collecting seeds from 15 trees every two weeks for 8 weeks. Seeds were grown in a growth chamber using moist potting soil at alternating Florida average spring temperatures of 27C light (9 hrs.) and 15C dark (15 hrs.) for 60 days, recording germinated seedling daily. All non-germinated seeds were subjected to a tetrazolium viability test to determine number of viable seeds. Preliminary results from this study indicate no change in probability of germination between collection times.

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PANEL DISCUSSION PRIORITIES VS PERFECTION – TREATMENT PHILOSOPHIES FOR THE LONG HAUL This panel discussion will focus on philosophies – not hard-and-fast rules. It is difficult for those who manage their natural areas well to accept some level of remaining infestation. We want to control all the target plants but we are perpetually under-funded. The bottom line should be striving to keep a system ecologically unimpaired or at a lower risk of becoming impaired. With a finite amount of money, getting a lot of acres in pretty good shape is more ecologically sound than a few acres that are pre-Colombian perfect. It is important to develop a philosophy of prioritizing based on funding and what is best for the most acres. How do we make those decisions and how can we learn to be comfortable with them?

PARTICIPANTS: Kristina Serbesoff-King (moderator) – The Nature Conservancy, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, 561-744-6668, [email protected] Linda King, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Habitat & Species Conservation, Invasive Plant Management Section, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000, 850-617-9425, [email protected] Sammy McGee, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Environmental Specialist I, 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive, Fellsmere, FL 32948, 321-298-6505, [email protected] Eric Smith, Kestrel Ecological Services, P.O. Box 12417, Gainesville, FL 32604, 352-380-0648, [email protected] Bill Snyder, Big Cypress National Preserve, 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141, 239-695-1112, [email protected] Deb Stone, Invasive Plant Program Supervisor, St. Johns River Water Management District, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177, 386-643-1921, [email protected]

2015 ANNUAL CISMA SESSION (CONCURRENT SESSION) STRATEGIZING ACROSS BOUNDARIES: CISMA EARLY DETECTION RAPID RESPONSE PLANT LISTS AND STATEWIDE SURVEYS This concurrent session will be attended by representatives from many of Florida’s 17 CISMAs. The Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) serves as the informal “umbrella” organization over Florida’s 17 Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). For the 9th year, Florida’s CISMA leads and members will meet at the FLEPPC symposium to jointly focus on issues that cross all CISMA boundaries. This year, we will continue our efforts to effectively develop and use early detection rapid response plant lists and to collectively plan for state- 0wide surveys. All are welcome – this is not a “sit and listen” session but an active engagement, full-on discussion to collectively continue to advance our success with using local partnerships to address the threat of invasive species in Florida. Think Locally – Act Neighborly – Invasive Species Know No Boundaries and Neither Do We!

PARTICIPANTS: Kristina Serbesoff-King, Associate Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33405, 561-744-6668, [email protected], Erin Myers, Private Lands Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service, 12085 SR 29 South, Immokalee, FL 34142, 239- 657-8009, erin_myers @fws.gov Gregg Walker, Invasive Plant Research Scientist, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 1018 Thomasville Road, Suite 200-C, Tallahassee, FL 32303, (850) 224-8207, [email protected] Greg Jubinsky, Invasive Plant Field Research Scientist, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 1018 Thomasville Road, Suite 200-C, Tallahassee, FL 32303, (850) 224-8207, [email protected] Cheryl Millett, Biologist, The Nature Conservancy, Tiger Creek Preserve, P.O. Box 630, Babson Park, FL 33827, 863-604-3352, [email protected] Linda King, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Habitat & Species Conservation, Invasive Plant Management Section, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000, 850-617-9425, [email protected] FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 16

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

1) Ganesh P. Bhattarai, Post-doctoral Associate, Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, 772-468-3922, [email protected]; Laura A. Meyerson, Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 1 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, 401-874-7058, [email protected]; Warwick J. Allen, Graduate Student, Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 103 Life Sciences Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, 225-578-7221, [email protected]; James T. Cronin, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 202 Life Sciences Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; 225-578-7218, [email protected]

PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS INVASION IN NORTH AMERICA: IMPACTS OF HURRICANES AND HERBIVORY

2) Kristine Campbell, Fish and Wildlife Biologist II, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Invasive Plant Management Section, 6830 Shadowridge Dr. Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32812, 407-858-6170 Ext. 223, [email protected]

CENTRAL FLORIDA LYGODIUM STRATEGY: FOSTERING OLD AND NEW PARTNERSHIP TO STOP THE NORTHWARD SPREAD OF OLD WORLD CLIMBING FERN AND WHY WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP

3) Hyun Jung Cho, Professor, Department of Integrated Environmental Science, Bethune-Cookman University, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114, [email protected] ; Don Spence, Science Teacher, Spruce Creek High School, 801 Taylor Road, Port Orange, FL 32127

FLOATING AND SUBMERGED AQUATICS IN RETENTION PONDS AND DRAINAGE DITCHES: THE GREATER DAYTONA BEACH AREA

4) Erin P. Myers, DVM, MS, Private Lands Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service, 12085 SR 29 South, Immokalee, FL 34142, 239-657-8009, [email protected] ; Kristina Serbesoff-King, Associate Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, Florida 33455, 561-744-6668, [email protected] THE FLORIDA INVASIVE SPECIES PARTNERSHIP - WORKING TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

5) Mark Rizzo, Orange County & Central Florida CISMA co-chair, Senior Environmental Specialist, Environmental Protection Division, Green PLACE Program, 800 Mercy Drive, Suite 4, Orlando, FL 32808, 407-836-1536, [email protected] ; Sherry Williams, Seminole County & Central Florida CISMA co-chair, Ed Yarborough Nature Center, 3485 N. CR 426, Geneva, FL 32732, 407-349-0551, [email protected]

FLEPPC CISMA GRANT – CENTRAL FLORIDA CISMA AND OAKLAND NATURE PRESERVE

6) Adrienne M. Smith, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110675, Gainesville, FL 32611, [email protected], 352-273-4868; Carrie Reinhardt Adams, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110675, Gainesville, FL 32611, [email protected], 352-273-4502; Christine Wiese, Biologist, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110675, Gainesville, FL 32611, [email protected], 352-273-4504; Sandra B. Wilson, Professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110670, Gainesville, FL 32611, [email protected], 352-294-3059

RESTORING MEXICAN PETUNIA (RUELLIA SIMPLEX)-INVADED FLOODPLAIN FORESTS: FIELD TEST REVEALS LIMITATIONS TO REVEGETATION EFFORTS (STUDENT POSTER PRESENTATION)

FLEPPC 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – MELBOURNE, FL 17

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