Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Bontrager, Kristen [1], Emry, David Jason [1].

Late-Season Glyphosate Application of Honeysuckle Alters Understory Community Composition in Topeka Parks.

Invasive species are a growing problem in a number of habitats. Amur Honeysuckle’s (Lonicera maackii) early spring leaf emergence, late leaf senescence, bird-dispersed seeds, and allelopathic effects give it a competitive advantage over native understory species in Kansas forests. The Shawnee County Parks Department has used late-season glyphosate application to slow the spread of honeysuckle within Topeka Parks. However, it is unclear if this intensive treatment will increase the reestablishment of native species. In this study, we investigated plant communities in two different Topeka parks to determine whether species richness or composition differed among the communities growing beneath honeysuckle that had been mildly, moderately, or severely affected by herbicide application. Treatment severity affected community composition at both sites but did not affect species richness. Composition changes were greatest at Dornwood Park where severely affected areas had significant decreases in honeysuckle cover and increased cover of both vines and grasses. McLellan Park showed similar trends, but only honeysuckle cover differed among treatments. While not significant, severely treated patches at McLellan also had reduced cover of other plant taxa compared to mildly or moderately affected patches. This study shows that the current management program effectively reduces honeysuckle in Topeka’s parks. However, our results also provide a cautionary note that the intensive treatment may also lead to unintended consequences.

1 - Washburn University, Department of Biology, 1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, Kansas, 66621, USA

Keywords:
invasive species
Lonicera maackii.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PCB015
Abstract ID:769
Candidate for Awards:None