Ammophila arenaria (marram grass) persistence through seedling recruitment

摘要

This paper considers the potential for an invasive dune plant, marram grass (Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link), to form a seed bank. Understanding the seed bank of an invasive plant is critical when attempting eradication. Removal of the current population can be achieved relatively easily. Subsequent control of regeneration from the seed bank, however, requires a sustained commitment of time and resources. The persistence of the seed bank, in particular, determines the duration of the control operation. The seed bank of marram grass was evaluated at Doughboy Bay, Stewart Island, in southern New Zealand. Marram grass seeds can persist for at least 9 years. Activation of the seed bank is related to the morphodynamics of the system; erosion exposes seedthat can then germinate. Any agency attempting to control marram grass must commit to at least a decade of control to ensure success.