Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Cara Nelson
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Invasive species have negative consequences on biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and the economy. In order to control invasive species, herbicides are used in natural areas where native plant abundance is a concern. Although, herbicides have been showed to adversely affect the germination non-target native plants. The extent to which soil characteristics, such as soil texture and duff depths, mitigate herbicide effects is unknown. I am proposing to assess the influence of soil factors on germination of the native plant species Gaillardia aristata (blanket flower) in soils that have been sprayed with herbicide. Specifically, I will set up a greenhouse experiment that includes treatment combinations of soil texture (sandy, clay, or silt soils) and duff thickness (no duff, 2 cm. duff, or 5 cm. duff). The pots will be treated with Milestone (active ingredient, aminopyralid), and then seeds will be planted in the pots. Germination will be measured after 5 weeks. The significance of this study is to inform restoration practitioners on how common herbicide use may impact non-target native plants in invasive species management.
Category
Life Sciences
Do soil characteristics mitigate the effects of herbicide on plant germination?
UC 331
Invasive species have negative consequences on biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and the economy. In order to control invasive species, herbicides are used in natural areas where native plant abundance is a concern. Although, herbicides have been showed to adversely affect the germination non-target native plants. The extent to which soil characteristics, such as soil texture and duff depths, mitigate herbicide effects is unknown. I am proposing to assess the influence of soil factors on germination of the native plant species Gaillardia aristata (blanket flower) in soils that have been sprayed with herbicide. Specifically, I will set up a greenhouse experiment that includes treatment combinations of soil texture (sandy, clay, or silt soils) and duff thickness (no duff, 2 cm. duff, or 5 cm. duff). The pots will be treated with Milestone (active ingredient, aminopyralid), and then seeds will be planted in the pots. Germination will be measured after 5 weeks. The significance of this study is to inform restoration practitioners on how common herbicide use may impact non-target native plants in invasive species management.