NEWSLETTER OF THE CALIFORNIA INVASIVE COUNCIL

Renewed Inventory 2 Postcards on Global Efforts 5 Joe DiTomaso Retires 6 Phytophthora Threat 8 Runners Support Cal-IPC 10 2017 Cal-IPC Symposium 11 praecox 12

VOLUME 25 NUMBER 2 SUMMER/FALL 2017 FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK Renewing the Cal-IPC Inventory

By Executive Director Doug Johnson

ver the last two years, Cal-IPC has twenty comments, some technical and worked to update its list of inva- some philosophical, expressing concern 1442-A Walnut Street, #462 sive in California. Science about invasive plant management. We Berkeley, CA 94709 O ph (510) 843-3902 fax (510) 217-3500 Program Manager Ramona Robison and prepared a response document addressing cal‑ipc.org info@cal‑ipc.org former Science Program Manager Elizabeth all comments and posted that online. Protecting California’s environment and Brusati (now with the California Dept. of We made minor adjustments to our economy from invasive plants Fish & Wildlife) led a process that leveraged evaluations based on comments, but none STAFF hundreds of hours of expert review. In the of the plant species changed categories. Doug Johnson, Executive Director Agustín Luna, Director of Finance, end, we added ten species to the existing The public comment period was Operations & Administration list, bringing the total number of species one component of a “best practices” Bertha McKinley, Program Assistant listed as invasive to 225. process that Cal-IPC has Dana Morawitz, Conservation Program Manager Mona Robison, Science Program Manager We also added an im- developed with other portant new category to state councils across the BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Jutta Burger, Irvine Ranch Conservancy the Inventory—“watch” country. These are now Vice President: Gina Darin, Cal. Dept. of Water Resources plants. “Watch” plants posted on the website of Treasurer: Steve Schoenig, Schoenig Consulting Secretary: Tim Buonaccorsi, RECON Environmental, Inc. are those that were de- the National Association Past Pres.: Jason Casanova, Council for Watershed Health termined to pose a high of Invasive Plant Councils. Juan de Dios Villarino, California State Parks risk for becoming invasive A weed risk assessment Doug Gibson, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Ramona Robison Jason Giessow, Dendra, Inc. in the future. Eighty-six group at USDA is building viscosa, false yellowheads, was William Hoyer, US Navy species were added in on these guidelines to first found in California in 2014 along Drew Kerr, Invasive Spartina Project this category, out of 196 develop a more formally Marla Knight, Klamath National Forest (retired) a roadside in Solano County. Similar in Julia Parish, Catalina Island Conservancy species evaluated. ecology to Dittrichia graveolens, the sanctioned version in the Ed King, Placer Co. Ag. Commissioner’s Office The “watch” category fast-moving stinkwort many of us are future. Laura Pavliscak, Tejon Ranch Conservancy represents a big step for- now familiar with, this species is highly These efforts at stan- Heather Schneider, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden invasive in and scored high on ward. These plant species dardization have multiple Baldeo Singh, Sacramento Conservation Corps the PRE assessment so was added to Lynn Sweet, UC Riverside Palm Desert Center are, for the most part, the Inventory as a “watch” species. benefits. They strengthen STUDENT LIAISONS already escaped into the resources land man- Marina LaForgia, UC Davis California’s wildlands, and were suggested agers depend on. They will make it easier Amanda Swanson, UC Riverside by land managers as potential concerns. By to knit together the ratings from each state Affiliations for identification purposes only. using a systematic and transparent evalua- for a regional view. And they will support Cal‑IPC Dispatch tion system, we categorized plants as low new guidelines for weed-free landscaping. Summer/Fall 2017 - Vol. 25, No. 2 Editor: Doug Johnson risk, high risk or needing further evalua- In California, for instance, the state’s model Associate Editor: Anne Strasser tion. (Primary support for this work came building code is being updated to include Designed by Melanie Haage from the US Forest Service, State & Private water-efficient landscaping requirements. Published by the California Invasive Plant Council. Articles may be reprinted with permission. Previous issues are Forestry.) Anticipating which plants are Not using invasive plants is one of the archived at cal‑ipc.org. Mention of commercial products does most likely to pose a problem in the future requirements, but defining which plants in not imply endorsement by Cal‑IPC. Submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit content. is additional information for land manag- horticulture are or may be invasive can be ers, helping them consider these plants a sensitive issue. Rigorous and transparent Follow us: when they set management priorities. procedures are an important piece of mov- Earlier this spring, we posted the ing forward with sensible policies. draft assessments for a 60-day public We plan to continue updating the On the cover: comment period. The assessments had Inventory every year, though not at this Catalina Island Conservancy Intern Brian Allen gone through internal review by our scale. Our new website will facilitate more treats a milk thistle population in the China Wall watershed. Invasive plant surveys bring technical advisory team comprising 18 robust sorting and filtering of the list. the Conservancy’s team to Santa Catalina experts from public agencies, private None of this would be possible without Island’s highest peaks and lowest drainages. conservancies, botanic gardens, nurseries your membership support and contribu- Photo by Margie Pfeffer. and universities. We received about tions of expertise. Thank you!

2 Summer/Fall 2017 | DISPATCH cal-ipc.org CAL ‑IPC UPDATES Symposium in the desert. Our first Wildland Weed News Symposium in the desert will be at the Riviera Palm Springs Oct. 24-27. Our pro- OTHER NEWS gram is packed, with a special address by BLM plan. the program lead for the Hawaii Invasive Restoring grasslands. The UC Dept. The Bureau of Species Council. More details page 11. of Agriculture and Natural Resources Land Management in has published a Restoration Manual for northwest California is prepar- State funding. Cal-IPC engaged Annual Grassland Systems in California, ing a new Integrated Resource Jones by Ryan Illustration an environmental lobbying firm in which discusses ways to meet a range of Management Plan for an eight- Sacramento to assist in developing new goals, including forage, pollinator habi- county area. A scoping report is avail- mechanisms for funding invasive plant tat, erosion control, and carbon storage. able, and preliminary alternatives will be management at the state level, after available for review this fall. working with north coast Assembly Glyphosate listing. In July, California Member Jim Wood this spring on added glyphosate, the active ingredient Congressional resolution. Represen- an unsuccessful budget request to in RoundUp herbicides, to its Prop. 65 tative Mike Thompson from California’s renew funding to the state’s Weed list. This is based on the controversial north coast introduced a Resolution Management Areas (WMAs) this spring. finding by the International Agency on expressing the House’s commitment to Cancer Research that the substance is “create a comprehensive solution to the Tri-national forum. Cal-IPC helped a “probable carcinogen.” The World threat of invasive species throughout the organize a mapping and data-sharing Health Organization, evaluating the same United States.” Thompson co-chairs the workshop as part of the North American studies, concluded that glyphosate is Invasive Species Caucus. Other members Invasive Species Forum held in Savan- unlikely to cause cancer given real-world on the caucus include Reps. Brownley, nah, Georgia in May, and will continue exposures. The Prop. 65 listing requires Garamendi, Lofgren, McNerny, and Na- to work with Mexican, Canadian and US warning labels on products containing politano from California. partners to develop stronger landscape- glyphosate. The state’s Dept. of Pesticide level invasive species mapping capacity. Letter to Zinke. The Western Gover- Regulation is currently working to deter- nors’ Association sent a letter to the Sec- mine levels at which the substance can Volunteer trainings. Cal-IPC’s train- retary of the Interior to express concern be used safely. A talk by Joel Trumbo of ings around the San Francisco Bay Area about invasive species and requesting the California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife will reached nearly 200 enthusiastic local strong partnership from the Dept. of the update land managers on this topic at volunteer stewards. More details page 4. Interior, especially in stopping the spread the Symposium in October. See page 11. of quagga and zebra mussels. Volutaria control. We ramped up treatment in Borrego Springs to keep up Salamander ban. Canada has imple- Field guides. CABI (Centre for Agricul- with the super bloom this spring. While mented an emergency one-year import ture and Bioscience International) has an mapping to more thoroughly delineate restriction on salamanders to prevent extensive collection of e-books, includ- the infestation, we discovered a huge the introduction of Batrachochytrium ing new field guides to invasive plants of population at an abandoned agricultural salamandrivorans (Bsal) into Canadian Southeast Asia and Eastern . site that will require a major effort to ecosystems. Bsal is a chytrid eradicate. infecting salamanders in North America. Killing Tahoe weeds with UV. A pilot The US has not yet restricted imports. program to kill invasive aquatic plants Limonium control. We completed our in Lake Tahoe was launched in June by second year of treatments at fifteen tidal Arctic conservation. An Arctic Inva- Tahoe Resource Conservation District marshes around San Francisco Bay. Next sive Alien Species Strategy and Action after two years of lab testing. The new year we hope to expand the effort to Plan has been published, seeking to method uses targeted ultraviolet-C light include all thirty known sites around address an ecosystem increasingly vulner- on species such as Eurasian watermilfoil. the Bay. able to warming climatic patterns and Initial results have been promising. increasing human activity in the region. Sierra control. We will be working YOUR MEMBERSHIP with the California Dept. of Food & Innovation report. A report has been Thank you for keeping your Agriculture and Sierra counties to control published from the Innovation Summit membership current. Note that your high-priority invasive plants populations held in Washington, DC last December expiration date is shown on the that threaten tree mortality areas. by the National Invasive Species Council. mailing label of this newsletter.

cal-ipc.org DISPATCH | Summer/Fall 2017 3 Cool tool—thistle catcher Advocating for

Bob Sorenson of Orinda demonstrated science the use of an extended hand sickle In March of this year, colleagues Amy (affectionately christened as the Skyline Zanne of George Washington University, Gardens Thistle Catcher) at Cal-IPC’s Steve Allison of UC Irvine, Jennifer Funk volunteer training, June 3 at the East Bay of Chapman University (and previous Regional Park District’s Trudeau Conference Cal-IPC board member), and Jutta Burger Center. The tool was developed by Glen of Irvine Ranch Conservancy (and Cal-IPC Schneider, long time local naturalist Board President) traveled to Washing- and gardener. A ton DC to advocate for the benefits of Japanese sickle federal funding for science. Given the weeder is attached proposed cuts to science funding in the to a 36 inch length new federal budget, they felt it was of PVC pipe as a important as scientists to talk with their handle extender. elected representatives about how local This allows the weed federally-funded science programs im- worker to reach prove the lives of their constituents. They through surrounding met with staffers working with six House vegetation and slice Representatives from southern California through the base and discussed how results from federally- of a weed stalk, funded research projects are solving without getting problems in their districts. stuck or stickered. In addition to their other projects, One pull takes down Jutta and Jennifer are working to create thistles, fennel, a Cal-IPC Science Advisory Committee. mustard, hemlock Bob Sorenson of Orinda demonstrates the use of an extended handle hand sickle. and other weeds. Glen and volunteers developed the tool invasives. The work area is host to more in the California Native Plant Society’s than 250 native species, and is the richest Skyline Gardens project (skylinegardens@ native plant area of its size in the entire ebcnps.org). This is a restoration of a East Bay. The Skyline Thistle Catcher is biologically rich area between Tilden Park helping immensely with the work. Glen and Sibley Park in the East Bay Hills that and Bob will be developing a Youtube is threatened by Italian thistle and other video on how to make one of these tools. Volunteer trainings In June and July, Cal-IPC held four train- ings for volunteer stewards around the San Francisco Bay Area. Close to 200 volunteers attended. Agendas included expert presentations, speed talks from a variety of local groups, demonstra- tion of cool tools, discussion groups on management approaches and volunteer coordination, a field trip to a restoration Cal-IPC volunteer training field trip led by Pamela site, and a training on Calflora’s Observ- Beitz, ranger for the East Bay Regional Parks District. Kathy Eiler er smart phone tool. Several activities Pictured from left to right, Amy Zanne (George aimed at regional coordination are envisioned (groups are currently adding their Washington University), Steve Allison (UC Irvine), work sites to an online map). Numerous local partners contributed to the trainings Jennifer Funk (Chapman University), and Jutta —thank you! We look forward to doing it again in 2018. Burger (Irvine Ranch Conservancy) who traveled to Washington DC to advocate for science.

4 Summer/Fall 2017 | DISPATCH cal-ipc.org Postcards: Controlling weeds is a global issue

Controlling invasive weeds is a global eucalyptus and issue. Here are a few “postcards” demon- Chinese pine, both strating that there are lots of other groups of which spread out there working hard on controlling readily into edges invasive species and preserving habitats. and disturbed areas within the rainfor- Madagascar—Invasive Trees est. [see photo] and Aquatics I also learned of a fascinating Drew Kerr, Treatment Program Manager (albeit somewhat Drew Kerr for the Coastal Conservancy’s Invasive disturbing) use Primary rainforest in Madagascar being overrun by invasive eucalyptus Spartina Project in San Francisco Bay of biocontrol and Chinese pine (Pinus armandii), which have been introduced for use as and Cal-IPC board member, traveled to from our guide charcoal, building timber, and resin. Madagascar in May 2017. He sent us at Ankarafantsika this report. National Park. Water hyacinth had Closer to Home—Sea to Sky invaded the central gem of the park, British Columbia, Canada nvasive plants have impacts around Lake Ravelobe, completely covering the the globe, and you can’t escape them surface of this shallow lake which is Ieven if you are on vacation in one of home to endangered species such as the the hotspots of biodiversity on the planet. Madagascar fish eagle (just 120 breeding Madagascar, the fourth largest island pairs remain on the island). To combat this on Earth, has much to lose from habitat invasion, which also caused the lake to destruction by invasives since 90% of dry up each year, they introduced another all the plants and animals are endemic. non-native floating aquatic! Apparently, Unfortunately, the virtues of replanting their resource managers thought Salvinia timber species to create a more sustainable would asphyxiate the water hyacinth, and source of fuel and building materials have amazingly it appears to have worked.

not yet been embraced by many Malagasy Most of the lake is open water again, Doug Johnson people. Where this practice has caught on, with a relatively minor presence of both Weed control in British Columbia on the Sea to Sky the tree most often planted for charcoal is the non-native plants on the margins. Of highway from Vancouver to Whistler. eucalyptus. However, eucalyptus is not only course, the long-term consequences of Doug Johnson, Cal-IPC Executive non-native to Madagascar, it has already this risky strategy are still to be realized, Director, noticed this sign last summer. proven highly invasive. Andasibe-Mantadia and the “biocontrol” Salvinia could create Japanese knotweed, the species being National Park, an area of primary rainforest very similar problems to water hyacinth as treated here, is one of the species in the east, is but one example where the it does in other places around the world. Cal-IPC is treating in our North Coast adjoining habitat is disappearing rapidly This type of introduction would never be Knotweeds project in Humboldt and Del due to thousands of acres planted with approved in the U.S. Norte Counties. The sign had information on what herbicide was used, what management plan the work is under, and who to contact. It was from the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council. Visit their website (www.ssisc.info/blog) to see how they are working with the community to combat invasive plants. Drew Kerr Drew Kerr Salvinia wrapped around the roots of invasive water hyacinth, which previously covered the surface If you notice interesting weed control of the shallow lake and caused it to dry up each efforts on your travels that you’d like to year, threatening endangered species such as the share, take a couple of pictures and send Drew Kerr Madagascar fish eagle (only 120 pairs remain in the us a description at [email protected] with Salvinia molesta introduced into Lake Ravelobe in wild). The water hyacinth has been controlled but Ankarafantsika National Park in Madagascar as a there are likely to be long-term repercussions from subject line “Postcards for Dispatch.” biocontrol for water hyacinth. introducing another known aquatic invasive.

cal-ipc.org DISPATCH | Summer/Fall 2017 5 Weed worker legend Joe DiTomaso retires

By Elizabeth Brusati, Sr. Environmental Scientist, California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, Invasive Species Program

egendary UC Davis Weed Specialist problems. He entered the field through Dr. Joseph DiTomaso retired on an interest in plant while a LJune 30. Joe served on the Cal-IPC Wildlife Biology student at Humboldt board from 1997 to 2005, including State University. With few jobs available as President in 2002-03. I met Joe in pure taxonomy, an advisor at the UC when I began at Cal-IPC in 2004, and appreciated his patient guidance through updating 200 plants on the Cal-IPC Joe said Cal-IPC’s Inventory. He helped Cal-IPC become strength has been more scientifically rigorous. He developed Dr. Joe DiTomaso, legendary UC Davis Weed field courses, advised on predictive its ability to bring Specialist. range modeling, was the lead author on two Cal-IPC management guides, and enthusiastic young Two projects stand out as particularly oversaw development of the PRE (Plant memorable to him. The first was learning Risk Evaluation) system used in the recent people into the field. how to control medusahead successfully Inventory update. He was also our reliable with burning, after realizing that the information source whenever someone Davis herbarium recommended Weed key factor was having enough fuel to emailed a blurry photo asking, “What is Science as an alternate path. Land generate a fire that would kill the seeds. this plant and what do I do about it?” managers across the western United Second was developing an integrated Joe calls weed work a fun career States have benefited from the research approach for yellow starthistle, after because it allowed him to solve conducted by Joe and his collaborators. the initial hypothesis of using herbicide followed by burning was wrong. An effective control instead requires burning first to stimulate starthistle seedling growth, followed by herbicide application. (Learn more by reading his 146 scientific articles or 39 book chapters.) His dedication to expanding knowl- edge on invasive plants led to four books incorporating years’ of data. Fellow UC Davis Weed Specialist Guy Keyser recalled, “One of my best memories of Joe is from the time he was working on Weeds of California and Other Western States, and he was collecting photos of weeds from everywhere in the state. So anytime we drove to Modoc County, or Lompoc, or anywhere else, he’d be looking out the truck window identifying weeds at highway speed, and if he saw something he needed for the book he’d have me pull over. This sometimes meant getting onto the shoulder of I-5 and backing up for half a mile to get to the specimen. Once he Joe in the field for the yellow starthistle water project. He is the lead author on Cal-IPC’s Yellow Starthistle was laying on his stomach by an off-ramp Management Guide.

6 Summer/Fall 2017 | DISPATCH cal-ipc.org near Stockton, getting some He is also updating his guide photos, and CHP pulled up to weeds in the northeastern saying that other drivers had United States. He promises to reported seeing a body.” attend the occasional Cal-IPC During 22 years at UC Symposium. Davis, Joe served as major Joel Trumbo of the Cali- advisor to 25 graduate fornia Department of Fish students and on the and Wildlife summarized the committees of many others. feelings of many who have He calls having a role in benefited from Joe’s knowl- bringing out their full edge, “Joe’s contribution to... potential one of his proudest and influence on...the science accomplishments. The of invasive weed manage- admiration is mutual. Former ment has been immense. It’s student Gina Darin (M.S. not just the research, and 2008) said, “Joe DiTomaso books and scientific papers… has had a profoundly which have been absolutely positive impact on my life… invaluable...it’s also how he’s He guided me through my brought up a new generation Master’s program and we Joe advised and mentored many students at UC Davis over the years. Here he of weed scientists through developed a tool (WHIPPET!) is with former student Gina Darin, M.S. 2008, who is now vice-president of the university. Joe’s mentoring that land managers continue Cal-IPC’s board of directors. and his leadership have been to use. I use Joe’s publications in my has a weed management encyclopedia in way beyond significant. Plus, he has that current job at the Department of his head.” easy-going, very approachable style. He’s Water Resources on a daily basis. Joe When asked what changed the most going to be missed. Honestly, it’s hard in the weed management field during his to imagine invasive weed management career, Joe pointed out that the issue of without him at the helm.” “He’s going to be invasive plants has become much better Finally, to end with Joe’s own words, known among land managers, scientists, here is his advice for those beginning a ca- missed. Honestly, and policy makers. He has also seen an reer in invasive plant management, “Listen increased interest in integrated approach- to everybody. Recognize there are different it’s hard to imagine es that use ecology to inform manage- points of view when finding solutions. That invasive weed ment and that include a variety of man- way you come up with mutual solutions. agement tools. During two decades of Persevere. Change is slow. Incremental management Cal-IPC Symposia, he has watched land change is how things happen.” managers report on increasingly sophis- without him at ticated, thoughtful programs, including those that integrate social science. Guy Kyser, the helm.” Looking back at his work with Cal-IPC, UC Davis Weed Science Group Joe said Cal-IPC’s strength has been its Some things I learned from watching continues to support me as now I’m on ability to bring enthusiastic young people Joe in action: the path to become President of Cal- into the field. His advice for Cal-IPC’s future 1. It doesn’t cost anything to share the IPC and follow in his footsteps.” Mona is simply “to continue to be open minded credit for a project. Robison (Ph.D. 2006), now Cal-IPC’s and recognize that you accomplish things 2. Don’t give up too quickly if an act of Science Program Manager, remembers, best with everyone at the table.” Nature causes an apparent project “He had so much energy… He remained Joe’s retirement plans include cooking, failure. You can almost always approachable and supportive throughout improving his Italian, spending more time recover some information. grad school and always attracted eager with family, reading, exercising, and tak- 3. Don’t take things too personally and and interesting grad students who I was ing up golf again. He even plans to work don’t hold grudges. You might have lucky to be able to work with. Since on a winery. He is not leaving the inva- a professional disagreement with he was extension, people were always sive plant world entirely, as he will con- someone, but if you can let this roll calling with questions and he would tinue consulting, such as on a new study off you’ll be able to work with that answer the phone pleasantly and help examining water use by yellow starthistle person in the future. them out however he could—he really (described in the Spring 2017 Dispatch).

cal-ipc.org DISPATCH | Summer/Fall 2017 7 Beyond sudden oak death—Phytophthora in California native plant nurseries, restoration areas and habitats

Susan J. Frankel, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, and Janice Alexander, UC Cooperative Extension, Marin County

Note: This article is taken from which means “plant destroyer,” is a hybrid and additional first-in-the-USA information on the Phytophthoras in genus of microscopic water molds, detections. Additionally, the threatened Native Habitats Work Group website, fungal-like organisms that are most Ione manzanita (Arctostaphylos www.calphytos.org. closely related to diatoms and brown myrtifolia) and pallid manzanita (A. algae (Kingdom Stramenopila). The pallida), the endangered coyote genus Phytophthora is large, with more ceanothus (Ceanothus ferrisiae), and THE PROBLEM than 100 described species, including other native species including madrone Over the past several years, numerous the sudden oak death pathogen and chinquapin have been recognized as Phytophthora (pronounced Fie-TOF-ther- (Phytophthora ramorum) and other dying from Phytophthora infestations that uh) plant pathogens have been detected destructive pathogens of agricultural, in California native plant nurseries and ornamental, and forest plants. habitat restoration sites. Phytophthora, Why the concern? During the past Inadvertent planting several years, a first-in-the- of Phytophthora- USA detection of Phytophthora infected nursery tentaculata stock into native occurred in several California native habitats has plant nurseries and in restoration the potential to areas on outplanted sticky monkey introduce these flower (Diplacus pathogens into aurantiacus), toyon (Heteromeles wildlands. arbutifolia) and coffeeberry have been introduced into their habitats. (Frangula Inadvertent planting of Phytophthora- californica) nursery infected nursery stock into native habitats stock and more has the potential to introduce these than 10 other pathogens into wildlands. Furthermore, native plant species. many of these Phytophthora species Preliminary follow- appear to have wide host ranges, up investigations capable of causing disease on plants have identified across many families. However, there more than 30 are many unknowns about the impacts Phytophthora of P. tentaculata and other introduced species in native Phytophthora species in California. plant nurseries We are working from an abundance or associated of caution developed from experience with outplanted with P. ramorum, the sudden oak death restoration stock. pathogen, which has killed more than 3 Janell Hillman Janell Excavated Coyote ceanothus seedling (container stock) showing reduced root These findings million oaks in CA since its introduction mass due to Phytophthora cactorum root rot. include new, on nursery stock about 30 years ago.

8 Summer/Fall 2017 | DISPATCH cal-ipc.org THE RESPONSE minimize the likelihood that native plant of California Cooperative Extension, Native plant nurseries and vegetation nursery stock will be infected with exotic Marin Municipal Water District, ecologists in California have reached Phytophthora species. Midpennisula Regional Open Space out for assistance to state plant health A Working Group for Phytophthoras District, Phytosphere Research, San regulators, plant pathologists and others in Native Plant Habitats has formed Francisco Public Utilities Commission, to: 1) understand pathways for pathogen to determine steps needed to protect Santa Clara Valley Water District, spread, 2) determine which native plant wildlands and assist the restoration National Ornamentals Research Site at hosts can be infected by P. tentaculata industry. Participating organizations Dominican University of California and and other Phytophthora species that include: California Native Nursery others. have been detected in nursery-grown Network, California Native Plant plants, 3) determine the extent of the Society, California Department of FOR MORE INFORMATION infestations, 4) review and evaluate Food and Agriculture, Golden Gate For more information about sanitation procedures in both the nursery National Parks Conservancy, Presidio Phytophthora and the Phytophthora and field settings, and 5) develop and Trust, USDA Forest Service–Pacific Working Group see their web site: adapt best management practices to Southwest Research Station, University www.calphytos.org.

IMMINENT THREAT: PHYTOPHTHORA IN THE FIELD Phytophthora plant pathogens are affecting restoration proj- much older restoration sites. A riparian revegetation project in ects in the San Francisco Bay Area including those installed downtown San Jose was found to be infected with 14 species by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) of Phytophthora. Tests from 40 additional sites documented 50 and the Santa Clara Valley Water District. While the MROSD terrestrial taxa and 6 additional taxa from water samples, with has not yet begun testing sites (scheduled for winter 2017), most sites infected with multiple species of Phytophthora. they have already been greatly affected by the �����������Phytophtho- Treatment, prevention, and mitigation were the next steps ra problem. They cancelled all planting for two years, and are and are ongoing. SCVWD is solarizing infested planting sites now working closely with their partner nursery, Grassroots where possible and considering alternative methods in ar- Ecology, to implement new best management practices and eas where solarization isn’t feasible. They initially instituted a produce clean and Phytophthora free plants. short-term moratorium on nursery grown stock and have since The Santa Clara Valley Water upgraded standards for seed/ District (SCVWD) has been deal- propagule collection, contract ing with the problem longer than growing and outplanting, and are MROSD and has already done using more direct seeding and extensive testing on their revegeta- cuttings rather than relying solely tion sites and has started to take on container stock. They are also remedial actions. Their experience developing internal best manage- provides a case study for other land ment practices and helping others managers working to restore native via the Phytophthoras in Native habitats and wildlands. Habitats Work Group to prevent future infestations. CASE STUDY: SANTA CLARA The Phytophthora problem is VALLEY WATER DISTRICT potentially devastating. Because Santa Clara Valley these pathogens are so damag- Water District discovered ing, affect so many plant spe- the Phytophthora problem in 2014 cies and native habitats and are when a pilot planting of rare Coyote so easily spread, they require ceanothus (Ceanothus ferrisiae, widespread efforts to combat. Federally Endangered) in a Coyote SCVWD is working on the prob- Ridge introduction site in the Mt. lem with concerned stakehold- Hamilton Range foothills failed. ers including plant pathologists, The failure of the nursery grown nursery/horticulturists, restora-

stock was found to be due to P. Hillman Janell tion practitioners/land managers, cactorum and led SCVWD to test Solarized basins on Coyote Ridge mitigation site following regulators, home gardeners, and other sites—some recent, some removal of contaminated plant stock. the general public.

cal-ipc.org DISPATCH | Summer/Fall 2017 9 Run Wild California: runners support Cal-IPC in the SF Marathon

his year Cal-IPC organized splitting her proceeds with the Florida its second team for the San Exotic Pest Plant Council, the first state TFrancisco marathon. The invasive plant council in the country (a runners raise funds and awareness forerunner of Cal-IPC). for conservation work in California Chris Velez and Nancy Fluharty and beyond. Our team was called work for the Sierra Foothill Conservancy, Run Wild California 2017. which protects land in the Central We had eight runners registered Sierra with preserves and conservation and seven participated in the easements. Nancy is from Mariposa and race. Unfortunately, teammate has moved back after spending 15 years Brian Aguilar suffered a training working in education. Chris grew organic injury and was unable to run. vegetables at Stella Luna Farm for 13 Meet the runners! years before joining the Conservancy. Alexander Goldschmidt The funds they raised through the lives in Davis where he works as a marathon will be split between Cal-IPC plant geneticist for a seed com- and the Conservancy. pany. “This year I decided to help Tanya Meyer works for the Yolo as much as I can and to do my County Resource Conservation District, part to protect the beautiful and which works with public and private really unique nature around the landowners to restore parks, farm country and specifically here in edges and waterways in Yolo County. Tanya Meyer Tanya California.” ”The most magical and exhilarating moment occurred while Tanya grew up in the foothills of the Danielle Lee lives in Siskiyou running over the Golden Gate Bridge and the first tower Sierra, and went to UC Davis and works County (the real northern emerged above me through the fog.”—Tanya Meyer with restoration practitioners, weed California). “The entire region warriors, educators, students, farmers is a special ecosystem full of Andrew Paolucci is a soil scientist and ranchers. She served on the Cal-IPC endemic species. The important work and gardener in Sonora, running his Board from 2007-2010. of Cal-IPC will continue to protect these first race for charity. “My love for Thank you, runners! rare and sensitive species from invasive the environment and background in competitors and noxious weeds.” natural resource management drew me to Cal-IPC. I strongly support their mission and recognize the importance of invasive species management. In order to keep the open spaces of California healthy, organizations like Cal-IPC need our support.” Nancy Smith is an Associate Professor of Marine Science at Eckerd

Doug Johnson College on Florida’s Tanya Meyer celebrates after successfully Nancy Smith and Gina Darin relaxing after Nancy’s first full marathon. gulf coast. She is completing the half marathon.

10 Fall 2017 | DISPATCH cal-ipc.org WorkingWorking AcrossAcross BoundariesBoundaries

Join us in the desert this year to catch up on the latest in invasive plant science and management!

OUR PROGRAM OUR VENUE Trainings on Invasive Plant Manage- We’ll be at the retro Riviera Palm ment 101 and Calflora Weed Manager Springs, fabled hangout for Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Field trips to Joshua Tree National Martin and the rest of the Rat Pack. Park, Coachella Valley Preserve, and With three pools, warm desert air, Whitewater Preserve and six restaurants and bars, it’s a Sessions on Invasive Plant Manage- great spot for decompressing after a ment in the California Desert, Coastal busy field season! Zones, Grasslands, and the San Fran- cisco Bay/Delta; Biological Control; REGISTRATION Tools & Techniques; Federal and State Programs; Soils; Early Eradication; Res- See cal-ipc.org toration; Engaging Diverse Communi- to register, make ties; Botanic Gardens; and more… reservations at the Riviera, Special Speaker Joshua Atwood and get other from the Hawaii Invasive Species Symposium Council will describe the range of information. invasive species affecting Hawaii and the state’s efforts to address them. DPR credits: we have applied for Campfire Circlewith Ken Layne of 2.0 Laws & Regs, Desert Oracle Radio. 12.0 Other Plus… Discussion Sessions, Poster Ses- sion, Sponsor Exhibits, Student Contest, Career Lunch, Social Hour, Raffle & Silent Auction, and Awards Banquet!

cal-ipc.org DISPATCH | Fall 2017 11 EradicatingRubus praecox knotweeds: a newly recognized invasive European blackberry in California

By Marcel Rejmánek, Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis

he genus Rubus (blackberry, raspberry) includes more invasive Tspecies than any other genus of woody plants (Rejmánek and Richardson 2013). Almost all invasive Rubus species are difficult weeds, and their control/ eradication is a major challenge (see, for example, the US Forest Service weed control guide “Field Guide for Managing Himalayan Blackberry in the Southwest” available online). Until recently, seven native and four invasive Rubus species have been recognized in California. The most common and most influential invader is Focke (Himalayan blackberry), a species native to the Eastern Transcaucasian region. R. armeniacus is also established and invasive in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia (Gaire et al. 2015). However, botanists searching Rubus armeniacus from Butte Co., California; infrutescence and central part the first-year stem. for potential blackberry biocontrol agents recently concluded that a Prickles on first Prickles on Petals length Stamens morphologically similar European species, year stems inflorescence x width (mm) Rubus praecox Bertoloni is also present in rachis Oregon and is perhaps as common as R. R. armeniacus stout, straight, erect or mostly straight, pale pink, very long, armeniacus (Bruckart et al. 2017). Also, Focke slightly declining, rarely declining 13–20 x 10–15 up to twice somewhat curved, as long as R. praecox seems to be the correct name red at the base, styles for the species that Clark et al. (2013) contrasting with green named R. anglocandicans A. Newton surface of the stem*, 8-11 mm long, 3-7 in their microsatellite and chloroplast prickles per 5 cm DNA analyses of Rubus populations in R. praecox stout, straight, usually strong, mostly white or pale usually only the Western United States. The major Bertol. slightly declining or curved, (falcate) pink slightly long morphological differences between slightly curved, colored 10–14 x longer than R. armeniacus and R. praecox are like stem (green or dark 7–11 styles violet)*, 7-11 mm long, summarized in Table 1. 3-6 prickles per 5 cm In order to determine if R. praecox is R. bifrons** slender but strong, slender, subulate pale pink to only slightly present in California, I examined Rubus Vest straight or, rarely, slightly (awl-shaped), vividly pink, 9–12 longer than herbarium specimens at UC Berkeley and curved, colored like stem declining x 7–8 styles (usually dark violet), 6-8 UC Davis. I found several specimens of mm long, 10-15 (20) R. praecox misidentified and filed as R. prickles per 5 cm armeniacus or R. discolor (a misapplied Table 1. Attributes of Rubus armeniacus, R. praecox, and R. bifrons synonym of R. armeniacus), all of them *This character is clearly visible on young stems, particularly on the side away from the sun. either from Butte or Humboldt Counties. **Leaves on the first-year stems of R. bifrons are distinctly pedate (palmately divided with petiolules of basal leaflets growing out of the petiolules of the leaflets above them), often 3- or 4-foliate; leaves of other two species are always I then used specimen label-data to quinate (arranged in groups of five). Based on Trávníek and Zázvorka (2005), Weber (1995), Zielinski (2004), Bruckart et al. (2017), and personal observations.

12 Summer/Fall 2017 | DISPATCH cal-ipc.org (2014) synonymized R. armeniacus and R. bifrons Vest., using the name of the second species for both. This is unfortunate, because R. bifrons, a European species currently known from the northeastern United States, is morphologically very different (see Table 1). Unfortunately, some state and local floras have already started to use the name R. bifrons for plants that may be R. armeniacus, R. bifrons, or R. praecox.

Ellen Dean, John Randall and Bohumil Trávníek provided valuable comments on the first draft of this article. Contact the author at [email protected].

REFERENCES Alice, L.A. et al. 2014. RUBUS. In Flora of North A stand of Rubus praecox in Butte Co., California. America Editorial Committee, eds., New York and Oxford. Vol. 9, pp. 28-56. Bruckart, W.L., Jami, L.M., Sochor, M. & B. relocate stands of R. praecox in Butte and R. armeniacus is not. Earlier, Morin Trávníek. 2017. Invasive blackberry (Rubus fruticosus County in October, 2016. This species et al. (2013) reported the presence of Agg.) and susceptibility to disease. Invasive Plant was already familiar to me based on my P. violaceum on “R. armeniacus” in Science and Management (in press). studies in northern Patagonia in Chile Washington, Oregon, and northern Clark L.V., Evans, K.J. and M. Jasieniuk. 2013. Origins and distribution of invasive Rubus fruticosus where it is very common and regularly California. Because their positive locations L. agg. (Rosaceae) clones in the Western United found growing in the wild associated in California include Del Norte, Humboldt, States. Biol. Invasions 15:1331–1342. with native fleshy-fruiting trees Mendocino and Santa Cruz Counties, Gaire, R. et al. 2015. The biology of Canadian weeds. 154. Himalayan blackberry. Can. J. Plant Sci. (Rejmánek 2015). this is a good indication that R. praecox is 95: 557-570. I expect that R. praecox is more present in those counties. Morin, L. et al. 2013. Invaded range of the common in California than herbarium Finally, a comment on the blackberry pathogen violaceum in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and the search for its specimen data would currently indicate, contemporary taxonomy of this group provenance. Biol. Invasions 15: 1847-1861. however it is likely that it is less common of Rubus species (ser. Discolores) in Osterbauer, N. et al. 2005. The first report of in California than in Oregon. Previous North America is needed. In the “Flora Phragmidium violaceum infecting Himalaya and research on the distribution of the of North America,” Vol. 9, Alice et al. evergreen blackberries in North America. Plant Health Progress doi: 10.1094/PHP- pathogenic rust, Phragmidium 2005-0923-01-BR.I violaceum, in California Rejmánek, M. 2015. Invasion may provide clues as to the of Rubus praecox (Rosaceae) is promoted by the native tree breadth of R. praecox’s current chilensis () distribution. In the context of due to seed dispersal facilitation. potential biological control Gayana Botanica 72:27-33. Rejmánek, M. and D.M. Richardson of the Himalayan blackberry, (2013) Trees and shrubs as invasive Osterbauer et al. (2005) species - 2013 update of the global reported P. violaceum, on database. Diversity and Distributions what they assumed was Rubus 19: 1093-1094. Trávníek, B. and J. Zázvorka. 2005. armeniacus. However, Bruckart Taxonomy of Rubus ser. Discolores et al. (2017) conclusively in the Czech Republic and adjacent proved that only R. praecox regions. Preslia 77: 1-88. Weber, H.E. 1995. Rubus. In: and R. laciniatus—cutleaf Hegi G. (ed) Illustrierte Flora von blackberry, another non-native Mitteleuropa, Ed.3, 4/2A: 284–59, species that has escaped Blackwell Wissenschafts-Verlag, Berlin. cultivation in California and Zielinski, J. (2004) The genus Rubus the Pacific Northwest—are Rubus praecox from Butte Co., California; infrutescence – note the falcate (Rosaceae) in Poland. Polish Botanical susceptible to the rust disease (curved) prickles on the rachis. Studies 16: 1-300.

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WILDLAND WEED CALENDAR “According to new research, scientists found that a number Aquatic Nuisance Species California Forest Pest Council of invasive alien plant species September 13-15, San Diego, CA November 15-16, Davis, CA initially introduced as ornamental fws.gov/answest/meetings.html caforestpestcouncil.org plants at tourism facilities are now spreading rapidly throughout the State of the Estuary California Association of RCDs Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, posing October 10-11, Oakland, CA November 15-18, Sacramento, CA a major threat to wildlife, includ- sfestuary.org/soe/ carcd.org ing the annual wildebeest and Natural Areas Conference Western Weed Coordinating zebra migration as well as a range October 10-12, Fort Collins, CO Committee of other plant and animal species.” www.naturalareasconference.org November 28-30, Las Vegas NV From “Invasive plants to devastate annual sites.google.com/a/state.co.us/wwcc/ North American Invasive Species wildebeest migration” on CABI Invasives Blog, June 16, 2017 Management Association home October 23-26, Sparks, NV CNPS Conservation Conference “Recent research shows that ever www.naisma.org February 1-3, 2018, Los Angeles, CA more animals and plants are find- Cal‑IPC Symposium conference.cnps.org ing their way to foreign lands and October 24-27, Palm Springs, CA Tamarisk Coalition that invasive species are a “pri- cal‑ipc.org February 6, 2018, Grand Junction, CO mary threat” to economies, human wellbeing and wildlife.” Central Coast Invasive Weeds www.tamariskcoalition.org Symposium From “Alien species invasions and global SERCAL warming a ‘deadly duo’, warn scientists” in November 2, Santa Cruz, CA May 9-10, 2018, San Diego, CA The Guardian, July 25, 2017 www.cciws.org www.sercal.org