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Seasonal Biomass and Starch Allocation of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) (Haplotype I) in Southern Alabama, USA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Ryan M. Wersal ,
John D. Madsen  and
Joshua C. Cheshier
Ryan M. Wersal*
Affiliation:
Geosystems Research Institute and Department of Plant and Soils Science, Mississippi State University, Box 9627, Mississippi State, MS 39762
John D. Madsen
Affiliation:
Geosystems Research Institute and Department of Plant and Soils Science, Mississippi State University, Box 9627, Mississippi State, MS 39762
Joshua C. Cheshier
Affiliation:
Geosystems Research Institute and Department of Plant and Soils Science, Mississippi State University, Box 9627, Mississippi State, MS 39762
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: ryan.wersal@lonza.com
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Abstract

Common reed (Phragmites australis) is a nonnative invasive perennial grass that is problematic in aquatic and riparian environments across the United States. Common reed often forms monotypic stands that displace native vegetation which provide food and cover for wildlife. To help maintain native habitats and manage populations of common reed in the United States, an understanding of its life history and starch allocation patterns are needed. Monthly biomass samples were harvested from sites throughout the Mobile River delta in southern Alabama, USA from January 2006 to December 2007 to quantify seasonal biomass and starch allocation patterns. Total biomass of common reed throughout the study was between 1375 and 3718 g m−2 depending on the season. Maximum aboveground biomass was 2200 ± 220 g m−2 in October of 2006 and 1302 ± 88 g m−2 in December of 2007. Maximum belowground biomass was seen in November of 2006 and 2007 with 1602 ± 233 and 1610 ± 517 g m−2 respectively. Biomass was related to ambient temperature, in that, as temperature decreased aboveground biomass (p = 0.05) decreased. Decreases in aboveground biomass were followed by an increase in belowground biomass (p < 0.01). Starch comprised 1 to 10% of aboveground biomass with peak temporary storage occurring in July and August 2006 and September to November of 2007. Belowground tissues stored the majority of starch for common reed regardless of the time of year. Overall, belowground tissues stored 5 to 20% of total starch for common reed with peak storage occurring in December 2006 and October 2007. Starch allocation to belowground tissues increased as temperatures decreased. Understanding seasonal life history patterns can provide information to guide management strategies by identifying the vulnerable points in biomass and starch reserves in common reed.

Keywords

Common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud PHRCOCarbohydrateinvasive specieslife historyhaplotype

Information

Type
Research
Information
Invasive Plant Science and Management , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , March 2013 , pp. 140 - 146
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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Footnotes

Aquatic Plant Scientist, Lonza Microbial Control, 1200 Bluegrass Lakes Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004

377 SW McFadden Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532

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