Cogongrass in Southern Forests: Factors Influencing Spread; Biological and Economic Effects of Varying Levels of Herbicides and Surfactant

摘要

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.) is a non-native invasive plant species that is rapidly spreading across the Southern United States. Silvicultural practices such as mid-rotation thinnings have the potential to disturb sites that promote the growth and spread of cogongrass. Logging disturbance was replicated on 18 sites at Stennis Space Center (SSC), Hancock County, Mississippi, to evaluate rate of spread. After one growing season, disturbed sites gained 800 more tillers and spread 5.1 ftmore than control sites. Twenty-four plots were established to study the effects of varying levels of Arsenal AC and surfactant with Accord Concentrate. Results found that higher levels of Arsenal AC provided significantly better control while higher levels of surfactant did not result in significant differences. In addition, a marginal analysis was employed to evaluate four treatment alternatives to determine which alternative provided the greatest level of control at the lowest cost.