Management Information Delairea Odorata (Lemaire)
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Management information Delairea odorata (Lemaire) Preventitive measures: Delairea odorata should not be used as a landscape plant or sold as an ornamental in nursery stock. Education of the public on the harmful effects the plant has on native habitats and species should be a priority (Starr, et al, 2003). Monitoring and mapping infestations as they arise is also considered a priority as well as follow-up monitoring and control to make sure infested areas remain clean (Jacobi & Warshauer, undated). A Risk Assessment of Delairea odorata for Hawaii and other Pacific islands was prepared by Dr. Curtis Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service. The alien plant screening system is derived from Pheloung et al. (1999) with minor modifications for use in Pacific islands (Daehler et al. 2004). The result is a score of 14 and a recommendation of: "Likely to cause significant ecological or economic harm in Hawaii and on other Pacific Islands as determined by a high WRA score, which is based on published sources describing species biology and behaviour in Hawaii and/or other parts of the world." Physical: Mechanical removal of Cape ivy is difficult and time consuming since the vine can re- sprout along any node that is not disposed of properly (Starr et al. 2003). In a physical control strategy, small, scattered populations should be dealt with first to contain the spread of the plant and preventing a large infestation that will be more difficult to deal with later (State of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2002). A containment zone should be established to prevent further spread and remove any debris that might hinder or interfere with removal (Alvarez, 1997). Shrubs covered with the vine should be cut back a little bit above ground level and trees with low limbs should be trimmed to prevent the vine from climbing into the canopy (Alvarez, 1997). Any vine that is climbing into the canopy should be cut at the ground and can be left hanging to decay (State of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2002). After a containment zone has been established an aerial removal of plant parts should begin starting at the edge of the infestation and carefully removing the plant following the stolons. It is best to start on the edges of the infestation as these areas are not well rooted (Alvarez, 1997). Once the above ground portions of the plant are removed, a second underground removal of plant stolons and stems is needed to make sure re-sprouting is inhibited from leftover pieces. Continuous follow-ups are needed to ensure that all portions have been removed and re-sprouting does not occur. It is recommended every 2-3 weeks in the first couple of months, then every 2 months in the first year, then quarterly in subsequent years (Starr <i>et al</i>. 2003). Proper disposal of plant materials is crucial as rooting can occur even as "green waste". Seal plant debris in strong plastic bags and take to landfill areas or leave the debris suspended from the ground to decay (State of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2002). Adding soda lime to the disposal bags can speed up decay (Bossard, undated). Cultural: Cultural options for control is the use of native plants for landscape purposes as well as re-vegetating areas where Cape ivy has been removed to prevent other invasive or non-native plants from re-colonizing the area (Bossard, undated). The use of mulches such as straw can suppress the reestablishment of cape ivy and other non-native plants as well as help control erosion of the site (Alvarez, 1997). Heavy mulching will also suppress seedling re-growth (State of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2002). Chemical: Chemical control of D. odorata depends on location of the infestation, sensitivity of the associated species, and how much coverage the plant has on other native vegetation. Belonging to the family Asteraceae, related native species may also be sensitive to the same chemicals (PIER, 2006). Chemicals can be applied on Cape ivy anytime of the year, but it is recommended at times when the plant is actively growing (Starr et al. 2003). Round-up, glyphosate and triclopyr are all effective in controlling cape ivy. Surfactants can be added to ensure an even coverage of the foliage and stems. A recommendation of two applications every four months for several years is needed to ensure proper control or eradication (Starr et al. 2003). Other formulations exist that are more selective or work at lower concentrations. The glyphosate and triclopyr formulations have lower concentrations of active ingredient which slowly kills above ground portions of the plant giving the chemicals time to allocate to underground organs (Bossard, undated). Water tables and riparian corridors need to be taken into consideration when attempting to use a chemical control (Bossard, undated). Backpack sprayers and hose trucks can be used to deliver the chemical depending on the nature of the site (Starr et al. 2003). Always follow labels and guidelines for application use. Biological: Research is currently being conducted between the United States and South Africa on a biological control program for D. odorata. Several different species of insects are being examined as potential controls including: a gall inducing fly Parafreutreta regalis, a leaf-mining moth Acropelia spp., and a defoliating moth Diota rostrata (Starr et al. 2003). P. regalis lays eggs in the tips of stems where larvae hatch and feed inside shoots causing galls to form. The damage by the insect is not severe but could limit the vine's rate of growth by decreasing shoot and leaf area (Stelljes, 2001). Acrolepia spp. form tunnels in stems and leaves as it feeds reducing plant vigour (Stelljes, 2001). Biological control of Cape ivy seems promising since in its native range the plant is not a dominant species, unlike here in the U.S. and other introduced areas, strongly suggesting that some natural predator limits its effect in the community (Stelljes, 2001). .