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PART 3 - Technical overview Part 3 provides an update on recent field observations and research learning in invasive biology and management. Information on how control activities can align with other landscape management targets and approaches in a whole of system approach. INVASIVE BIOLOGY History of introduction 37 Flowering and seed production 37 Germination and dormancy 38 Growth and establishment 40 Dispersal 41 CONTROL OVERVIEW Control overview 42 Herbicide 43 Mechanical 46 Grazing 47 Fire 48 REAHBILITATION Revegetation and regeneration strategies 49 Beneficial native species 50 Aligning with other management programs 52 Mapping , monitoring and data collection 54 Technical overview History of introduction Flowering and seed production Introduced into Australia in 1970 Hymenachne commences and approved for release by DPIF in flowering when day length drops below 1988, hymenachne was promoted and 12 hrs (Weeds CRC, 2003). Initial distributed widely as a ponded pasture results from the CSIRO Defeating the species, particularly in the dry tropics. Weeds Menace project suggest peak Concerns about its invasive nature in flowering occurs for 1-2 weeks during the wet tropics, were realised in the April-May across all populations. 1990’s when the species began to (Wearne et al. 2008). Another flowering naturalise in natural and agricultural event appears to occur in the lead up to waterways. the wet season from late November to January. Reports from land managers Hymenachne was Declared a indicate that in some instances, Weed of National Significance (WoNS) flowering will occur year round (pers. in 1999 and a Class 2 Pest under the comm. Matt Buckman). Land Protection Pest and Stock Route Management Act 2002 in the State of Seed production occurs in the Queensland several years later. months from May to June peaking in July. Up to 4,000 seeds per stem are Several key publications deal produced at densities of up to 200 with the identification, habitat stems per square metre. Seeds are requirements and invasive biology of small at around 1-2 mm in size. hymenachne in Australia (see Csurhes, Research by Biosecurity Queensland 1999, Charleston 2006 and Kinnear et (DPI&F) is currently underway to al. 2008). This strategy document does establish general seed characteristics, not cover this information in any detail the initial results are discussed in the beyond that required for planning a following pages. The large number of strategic management approach seed produced develops the seedbank across the region. Attention has been that is characteristic of this species. given to highlighting gaps in biological Because the seedbank is and technical knowledge of the species accumulative, established infestations that have been addressed since the can be expected to have more time of those publications. extensive reserves of dormant seed than new introductions. An extensive report on the social and environmental impacts of hymenachne management within the Fitzroy Basin are available in Kinnear et al. 2008. Many of the examples and outcomes from the study are applicable and relevant to the strategy area. (WetlandCare Australia 2008) provides an extensive overview and list of resources for planning and implementing wetland rehabilitation. Flowering peaks during April-May but also occurs pre wet season in November-December Invasive biology 39 Technical overview Germination and dormancy Learning what we can about • Enforced dormancy could occur for seed characteristics can go some way both H. amplexicaulis and H. in determining how to manage an acutigluma because of the invasive species. Knowing the optimum seasonally inundated habitats in conditions for germination and which they grow. Having a layer of establishment can guide managers to water on top of the soil may cause select control options that best suit the anaerobic conditions and/or prevent situation at hand with the resources high or fluctuating temperatures available. Knowing the longevity and necessary for germination to occur. the dormancy behaviour of a seedbank assists to determine the timescales and This information is important parameters which programs of when considering the timing of management need to operate within. herbicide application and follow up. As ‘activities that create more favourable In a study investigating the conditions for germination may help germination of H. amplexicaulis and H. deplete seed banks faster’ (Campbell acutigluma (Campbell et al. in press) et al. in press). After initial treatments suggest that fresh seeds of both that target the immediate visible species exhibit similar germination vegetative infestation, management requirements. The characteristics they needs to shift its focus to alternating identified are summarised below: between treating or suppressing the dormant seedbank dependant on • Optimum conditions for germination management approach adopted. occurred under a combination of alternating temperature, the presence of light (either constant or alternating) and the addition of (nitrogen) KNO3. • Across all seed lots the earliest that germination commenced following exposure to moisture was four and a half days, with peak germination generally occurring over the following 36 hours. These results suggest the following: • conditions that buffer seeds from light and/or temperature fluctuations could reduce germination and possibly extend the life of seed banks of both H. amplexicaulis and H. acutigluma. Factors that ‘enforce’ dormancy of seed are removed or manipulated following chemical control Invasive biology 40 Technical overview Germination and dormancy CASE STUDY coincided with a natural control event Recent works funded by the strategy provided by flooding. applied herbicide as close as possible The chart below (Setter to the onset of the wet season. Works unpublished data) identifies the were conducted in mid to late longevity of hymenachne seeds in a November through to late December. controlled environment. From a starting Conditions for access were at their average of 95.4 % the average viability optimum, with seasonally dry areas recorded for hymenachne seeds was accessible for herbicide application on approximately 12% at 8 years. A 50 % foot or via ARGO. Recent rains in the decrease in average viability was storm season had reinvigorated plants, reached somewhere between 1 and 2 allowing effective herbicide application years and the next major drop in but flower development had only just viability occurred between 4 and 6 begun. Dormant seeds from under years when close to the minimum areas treated by non selective viability was recorded. The chart herbicide had the opportunity to supports field observations (pers. germinate in the disturbed conditions comm. Matt Buckman, Damon Sydes, just prior to being inundated by rising Ken English) that after three to four flood waters in mid January. (non selective) herbicide treatments over the period of 1-2 years, the vigour of the seedbank has declined significantly. Ensuring resources to Hymenachne is considered to manage the initial seed response after go from seed to maturation in control is critical particularly in the first approximately 7-8 months (pers. year of treatment. The challenge after comm. Lynise Wearne) It has been this point is to suppress re- observed that freshly germinated establishment of mature plants in the seedlings cannot elongate enough to treatment area by focused control of rise above flood levels as effectively as germinating seedlings. mature plants can. The timing of the control works in the case study 100 90 80 70 ) v a ( y it 60 il b ia v 50 % 40 30 20 10 0 0 3 6 122436487296 months Average viability of hymenachne seed over time, (Setter , unpublished data) Invasive biology 41 Technical overview Growth and establishment A frontal pattern of A management program needs establishment has been observed in to be informed by seedbank response developing hymenachne infestations. while reacting to the prevailing climatic More vigorous growth and flowering conditions. The targeting of control has been observed at progressing (or establishment and maintenance of fronts and declining in vigour towards beneficial competition) in areas most the centre of an established clump susceptible to high germination rates (pers. comm. Lynise Wearne, Mike may be a useful tactic for management. Nicholas). This suggests that a In a similar way, infestations in deeper management approach targeting the water may take longer to establish, and approaching front might be effective at the effect from control may last longer reducing seed production, particularly if because invasion may be more it can limit the germination and vegetative than seed. maturation of the exposed seedbank in follow up. Hymenachne germinates in Current studies from CSIRO are shallow areas and ephemeral margins looking closely at how micro- as the shallowing of water provides topography within wetlands influences some of the triggers for germination i.e. species composition. The results of this fluctuating levels of light, moisture and work will be useful to guide not just nutrient. Plants need to be rooted in control efforts but also rehabilitation substrate and can tolerate water up to works following. 2 m deep with a preference for 0.1 to 0.6 m. (pers. obs.) Following control, germination occurs as waters recede and the disturbed seedbank is exposed to the germination triggers of fluctuating light, moisture and nutrient. Invasive biology 42 Technical overview Dispersal Hymenachne is able to