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EXOTIC PEST PLANT COUNCIL

17th Annual Symposium

17 -19 September 2002

Kenilworth Lodge, Sebring, FL

Florida- EXOTIC PEST PLANT COUNCIL 2001-2002

Officers

Chair Past Chair Secretary Treasurer Editor

Mike Bodle Ken Langeland Heidi Rhoades Kristina Serbesoff-King Karen Brown

Board of Directors

(561) 682-6132 (352) 392-9614 (561) 441-5857 (561) 682-2864 (352) 392-1799 (352) 392-3462 (fax)

mbodle@sfwmd.gov kal@mail. ifas.ufl.edu flscrubj@aoi.com kserbes@sfwmd.gov kpb@maii.ifas.ufl.edu

Alison Fox (352) 392-1811 ext.207 Dennis Giardina (941) 657-7637 Christine Sutter (352) 372-4747 Phil Waller (863) 619-6255 Jim Burney (561) 845-5525 Kathy Craddock Burks (850) 487-2600 J. B. Miller (904) 794-5959 Tom Fucigna

amfox@maii.ifas.ufl.edu dennisJliardina@fws.gov csutter@pandionsystems.com wallerp@basf-corp.com 11j2@aoi.com kathy.burks@dep.stale.fl.us mille~b@aug .com

2nd of 2 years 2nd of 2 years 2"' of 2 years 2"' of 2 years 1" of 2 years 1" of 2 years 1" of 2 years 1" of 2 years

Committee Chairs

By-Laws CAST Representative Editorial Education FL Nursery Liason Legislative Local Arrangements Membership Merchandise Nominations Plant List Program Research Vendors

Task Forces and Chairs

Australian Pine Brazilian Pepper Carrotwood Chinese Tallow Exotic Grasses Lygodium Melaleuca Skunk Vine

Dennis Giardina (941) 657-7637 Dennis Giardina (941) 657-7637 Karen Brown (352) 392-1799 Leesa Soulo (321) 723-4547 x200 Doria Gordon (352) 392-5949 Matthew King (561) 233-2400 Phil Waller (863) 619-6255 Andrea Van Loan (352) 372-3505 x429 Bill Snyder (941) 695-4111 x1231 Tony Pernas (305) 242-7846 Kathy Craddock Burks (850) 487-2600 Randall Siocker (352) 392-9613 John C. Volin (954) 236-1115 Brad Cochran (813) 926-4967

Robert Egan Jim Cuda Chris Lockhart Cheryl McCormick Greg MacOonald Amy Ferriter Francois Laroche Brian Nelson

(239) 574-8173 (352) 392-1901 x126 (561) 738-1179 (706) 369-8740 (352) 392-1811 x 214 (561) 687-6097 (561) 687-6193 (352) 796-7211

dennisJliardina@fws.gov dennisJliardina@fws.gov kpb@mail.ifas.ufl.edu Isoulo@mriresearch.org dgordon@bolany.ufl.edu mking@co.palm-beach.fl .us wallerp@basf-corp.com vanloaa@doacs.slale.fl.us bilLsnyder@nps.gov 10nYJlernas@nps.gov kalhy.burks@dep.slale.f1.us aqplanls@mail.ifas.ufl.edu jvolin@fau.edu bdcochran@dow.com

HabitatRR@earthlink.net jcuda@mail.ifas.ufl.edu chris.lockhart@habitatspecialists.com cheryl@uga.edu gemac@mail.ifas.ufl.edu amy. ferriter@Sfwmd.gov francois.laroche@sfwmd.gov brian.nelson@swfwmd.slale.fl.us

Symposium Agenda

I TUESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

1 :00 - 5:00 pm

3:00 - 6:00 pm

5:00 - 6:00 pm

6:30 - 8:00 pm

TRAINING AND TESTING FOR NATURAL AREA WEED MANAGEMENT (HERBICIDE APPLICATORS LICENSE)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (open to anyone interested)

EXHIBIT/POSTER SET-UP, conference meeting area

REGISTRATION, conference entryway

TASK FORCE and COMMITTEE OPEN MEETINGS Check notice board

WELCOME RECEPTION

I WEDNESDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER

Registration all day

OPENING SESSION - Moderator, Ken Langeland; AN Orchestrator, Steve Smith

8:30 am CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME - Ken Langeland and Mike Bodle (Florida EPPC Chairs)

8:40 am Introduction of Keynote Speaker - Randall Stocker, Program Chair

8:45 am KEYNOTE ADDRESS - National perspectives on the horticulture industry and invasive pest problems. Craig J. Regelbrugge, Senior Director of Government Relations, American Nursery and Landscape Association, Washington, DC

9:30 am Florida's State Noxious Weed List, and what the future holds. Connie Riherd, Assistant Director, Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, Gainesville, FL

9:50 am Nursery sales and economic impacts of 14 Category I ornamental plant species. Ferdinand F. Wirth, Kathy J. Davis, and Sandra B. Wilson, University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research and Education Center, Ft. Pierce, FL

10: 1 0 am How important are non-native plant species Invasions within forests? A regional perspective from ongoing surveys of forest resources across the South. Victor A. Rudis, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis Unit,

Southern Research Station, Starkville, MS, and Andrea N. Van Loan (presenter) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, Forest Health Section, Gainesville, FL

10:30 am BREAK

SESSION II - Moderator, Paul Pratt; AN Orchestrator, Steve Smith

10:50 am It's not just plants •.. critters on a rampage! Jerome A. Jackson, Florida Gulf Coast University. Whitaker Center for Science, Math, and Technical Education. Ft. Myers, FL

11 : 10 am TEAM Leafy Spurge. Gerald Anderson, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Sidney, MT

11 :30 am The Areawide Management Evaluation of Me/a/euca quinquenervia (TAME Me/a/euca) . Cressida Silvers, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

NOON LUNCH (on your own)

SESSION 111- Moderator, Amy Ferriter; AN Orchestrator, Tony Pernas

1:20 pm

1:40 pm

2:00 pm

2:20 pm

2:40 pm

3:00 pm

Invasive plants can hide but they can't run: interagency coordination and community involvement In the Florida Keys. Alison Higgins, The Nature Conservancy of the Florida Keys. Summerland Key, FL

The physiological ecology of Lygodium microphyllum. John Volin, Florida Atlantic University. Davie, FL

Research on biological control of Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). Bob Pemberton, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, John Goolsby, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Australian Biological Control Lab, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia, Gary Buckingham, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Division of Plant Industry Quarantine, Gainesville, FL, Tony Wright, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Australian Biological Control Lab, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia

Evaluation of Ruellia brittoniana (tweediana) cultivars for potential Invasiveness. Laurie A. Krumfolz, Dana L. Moller and Sandra B. Wilson. University of Florida, IFAS, Department of Environmental Horticulture, Indian River Research and Education Center, Fort Pierce, FL

Engineering containment factors into genetically improved crops. Fredy Altpeter, University of Florida, IFAS, Agronomy Department, Gainesville, FL

BREAK

SESSION IV - Moderator, John Volin; AN Orchestrator, Tony Pernas

3:20 pm

3:40 pm

4:00 pm

4:20 pm

4:40 pm

5:00 pm

Something profound: about an insidious invasive shrub. Alison Fox. University of Florida. iFAS. Agronomy Department. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Gainesville. FL

Architecture of invasion: the case of Brazilian Pepper (5ch/nus terebinthifolius). Lucy Treadwell and Jim Cuda. University of Florida. IFAS. Entomology and Nematology Department. Gainesville. FL

Evaluation of management tactics for cogongrass (Imperate cylindrica). J. D. Byrd. J. W. Barnett. K. D. Burnell. P. R. Marchbanks. D. B. Mask. Mississippi State University. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Mississippi State. MS

Invasive plant management on public lands - a contractor's perspective. Jim Burney. Aquatic Vegetation Control. Inc .• Riviera Beach. FL

Exotic plant awareness in Broward County. Mark Westfall. City of Coral Springs. FL

Education and regulation on the road to sustainability in Martin County, Florida. Tom Fucigna. R. L. Weigt Environmental Consultants. Hobe Sound. FL

5:20 - 6:00p EXHIBITS and POSTERS. Authors will be present to discuss their posters with you.

6:00 pm - ... ANNUAL BANQUET and ENCORE PERFORMANCE BY THE "PITH PENETRATORS"

I THURSDAY,19 SEPTEMBER

8:30 - 9:30 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING with elections and awards. Mike Bodle. EPPC Chair

SESSION V - Moderator, Heidi Rhoades; AN Orchestrator, Francois Laroche

9:30 Herbicides for homeowners to use on melaleuca stumps. Ken Langeland. University of Florida. IFAS. Agronomy Department. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Gainesville. FL

9:50 Everglades National Park Environmental Assessment for invasive plant management. Jonathon Taylor. Everglades National Park. Flamingo. FL

10:10 Brazilian peppertree leafrolling moth Episimus utilis (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): laboratory biology and preliminary results of U.S. quarantine host range tests. J.P. Cuda. C.G. Martin. K.D. Awadzi. J.L. Gillmore and J.C. Medal. University of Florida. IFAS. Entomology and Nematology Department. Gainesville. FL

10:30 BREAK

I:

I

i

!

SESSION VI - Moderator, Andi Van Loan; AN Orchestrator, Francois Laroche

10:50 Invasive plants In the Bahamas: a perspective. John L. Hammerton, Nassau, Bahama!

11 : 1 0 Restoration and Enhancement of Tropical Maritime Forest at St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park. Philip Myers and Jeffrey Hutchinson, Florida Park Service, Archbold Biological Station, FL

11 :30 Public Education Programs. Heidi Rhoades. Florida Love, Delray Beach, FL

Noon Door Prize Drawings and ADJOURNMENT

POSTERS

Florida quarantine host range of the melaleuca gall-fly and its nematode companion. Susan A. Wineriter and Gary R. Buckingham, University of Florida, IFAS, and U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL

Biological control of weeds: why does quarantine testing take so long? Gary R. Buckingham and Christine A. Bennett, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, and University of Florida, IFAS/U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

CEUs will be available through attendance and participation at Florida EPPC's Annual Symposium tor those who hold certain herbicide application certifications. CEUs are possible in five categories: Natural Area Weed Management (10), Private Application Agriculture (10), Forestry (10), Ornamental and Turf (10), Right-ot-Way (10), Aquatic (10), or Demonstration and Research (10). CEUs can only be credited to one category.

MANY THANKS TO OUR

EXHIBITORS

FOR THEIR CONTINUING SYMPOSIUM SUPPORT!

Applied Aquatic Management Aquatic Vegetation Control

BASF Helena Chemical Co.

ProSource One (AgroDistribution LLC) VAP Timberland

Cerexagri, Inc. Dupont IVM

Brewer International Chemical Containers, Inc.

NaturChem Natural Resource Planning Services, Inc.

SePro

And thanks to IFAS Publications, 1-800-226-1764, University of Florida, for setting up a one-stop shop for publications.

Abstracts Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Annual Symposium

17-19 September 2002 Sebring, Florida

SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS (In same order as program)

1. National persoectives on the horticulture industry and invasive pest problems. Craig J. Regelbrugg Senior Director of Government Relations, American Nursery and Landscape Association, Washing· DC.

There are many emerging issues in commercial horticulture regarding invasive species. A review c case studies is a useful way to review what we think is working well and not so well, and the pros ar cons of various options as we move into the future. I will speak specifically to the results of the Missouri Botanic Garden meeting last December, and the October follow-up meeting at the Chicagc Botanic Garden.

2. Florida's State Noxious Weed List and what the future holds. Connie Riherd, Florida Department 0

Agriculture and Consumer Seryices, Division of Plant Industry, P. o. Box 147100, Gainesville, FL 32614-7100.

During the 2002 Florida Legislative Session, House Bill 1681 was passed directing the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) in conjunction with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida to biennially review the official state lists of noxious weeds and invasive plants as provided for under Chapter 581, Florida Statutes, and DACS rules. It mandates that a water management district or local government shall only adopt lists of noxious weeds developed under this chapter after March 1, 2002.

Presented here is an overview of the current DACS noxious weed regulations and plans for rule revisions to incorporate the new statutory requirements for the biennial review of the noxious weed list.

3. Nursery sales and economic impacts of 14 Category I ornamental plant species. Ferdinand F. Wirth Kathy J. Davis, and Sandra B. Wilson, University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, <ffwirth@maiLifas.ufl.edu>.

The Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association and Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council asked growers to stop production of 45 potentially invasive plant species that are relatively insignificant in th ornamental horticulture market. Controversy surrounds 14 additional species that are designated as Category I invasives, but are highly ornamental, widely used in landscaping, or have high economic value. A mail survey of Florida omamental nursery growers identified production zones, sales volulTlt and destinations for the 14 species. Economic Impacts (direct, indirect, and induced) of each specieS were calculated to determine consequences of a phase-out on the nursery industry and Florida's I economy.

4. How important are non-native plant species invasions within forests? A regional perspective from 1

ongoing surveys of forest resources across the South. Victor A. Rudis, Forest Inventory and Analysis Unit, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Starkville, MS 39760-0928 Email: <vrudis@fs.fed.us>, and Andrea C. Van Loan, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, Forest Health Section, Gainesville, FL.

Knowing the presence, persistence, and rate of spread for invasive non-native plant species on

forestland helps address impacts to its resources. The U.S. Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis Program surveys selected non-native species as part of an ongoing regional forest resource assessment. Between the 1980's and 1990's, field crews used an extended list of understory species and within-limberland surveys across five southeast States. Kudzu (Pueraria spp.) occupied just 0.2% of the timberland. Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) occurred on 20% of the timberland, Privet (Ligustrum spp.), 3.5%, Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), 0.9%, Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) , 0.53%, and Royal Paulownia, 0.06%. Trends between the 1980s and 1990s from four Slates indicated an increasing risk of broad scale invasion and persistence by Privet, a slight decline in Japanese honeysuckle, and no Significant change in other species. Melaleuca (Mela/euca spp.), restricted chiefly to the extreme South, occurred on 13.2% of south Florida's timberland in 1995. Surveys in seven Midsouth States showed Chinese tallow [Triadica (Sapium) sebiferaj in larger sizes currently restricted to the Outer Coastal Plain. Findings suggested that non-natives represent constant and locally important threats to forestland, with invasions of selected species more likely at the forest­nonforest boundary and in nonforest-dominated neighborhoods.

5. It's not just plants ... critters on a rampage! Jerome A. Jackson, Florida Gulf Coast University, Whitaker Center for Science, Math, and Technical Education, Ft. Myers, FL 33965.

Problems with exotic species have become epidemic as ease and speed of transportation have facilitated both intentional and unintentional dispersal of plants and animals. In dealing with these, the points of focus are often on single species and on control mechanisms. We approach the problem as we would approach a wildfire: look for the flames and douse them or create a barrier to stop them. Like a wildfire, many factors can contribute to the nature, timing, and severity of the problems caused by exotics. Understanding the interactions among factors that fuel the explosion of an exotic species population can improve our understanding of the problems and contribute to their solution. In this presentation I will focus on interrelationships of some exotic and plants and animals in Florida, their mutual impact on Florida ecosystems, and the human actions that exacerbate the problems.

6. TEAM Leafy Spurge. Gerald Anderson, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Sidney, MT.

The development of successful regional or national invasive weed control programs is often hampered by the way the problem is approached. Typically weed control programs are developed and evaluated solely from the perspective of the biological sciences. While this is appropriate from a local or landscape perspective, it will probably not produce the desired results when addressing widespread well-established infestations that impact large regions. The Ecological Area-wide Management (TEAM) of Leafy Spurge program was the first U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) regional invasive weed program. The five-year program, funded by the ARS and conducted cooperatively with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, focused on the control of leafy spurge in North Dakota and South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Now in its final year (2002), the TEAM Leafy Spurge program has made significanl progress in controlling leafy spurge, increasing public awareness of the problem and demonstrating the effectiveness of biologically-based integrated pest management. While this is a Significant accomplishment, the lessons leamed over the course of the project clearty demonstrate that the success of regional weed control programs depends on more than a perSistent, marked reduction in the pest population. Effective regional weed control programs need to focus not only on biological issues, but also on the ecological, scientific, economic, social and legal factors that influence the effectiveness of the program. Therefore, the implementation and subsequent evaluation of a weed control program must include all the principal factors that will ultimately determine success and sustainability. The final analysis indicates that successful biologically-based leafy spurge control is on the horizon, especially when weed managers understand the number of problem areas that must be addressed to achieve a sustained reduction of a weed population. The amount of time it will take to be realized depends on our commitment to solving the problem and our willingness to work together as a cohesive team.

I

7. The Areawide Management Evaluation of Melaleuca quinquenervia (TAME Melaleucal. Cressida Silvers, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3205 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314.

8.

Melaleuca quinquenervia is a myrtaceous tree of Australian origin that has become a noxious weed in Florida. The control of invasive plants, such as melaleuca, is essential to the conservation of native species. Melaleuca control is therefore integral to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) objective of achieving restoration and sustainability of south Florida's natural ecosystem. The Melaleuca Management Plan, developed by the interagency Melaleuca Task Force in accordance wit~ CERP, recommends the integration of multiple control approaches, with an emphasis on biological control, as the most effective method for long-term, sustainable management of melaleuca. We have developed The Areawide Management and Evaluation of Melaleuca (TAME) project to demonstrate the practical, integrated weed management strategies outlined in the Melaleuca Management Plan to state, federal, and private land managers. Specific objectives for this project include: 1) an operations phase to demonstrate the integrated strategies; 2) assessments of melaleuca's geographic distribution, impacts of control tactics and socio-economic factors associated with current and proposed control tactics; 3) supporting research that focuses on impacts of control tactics on the weed, interactions among biological control agents, and non-target effects of tactics; and 4) technology transfer. The goal of this project is to develop a sustainable and integrated melaleuca control program through partnerships with federal, state, local, and private land managers for the long term control of this invasive weed.

9. The phYSiological ecology of Lvgodium microphvllum. John Volin, Florida Atlantic University.

One of the greatest threats to the integrity of native ecosystems is their invasion by non-indigenous species. Nowhere else in the continental United States is this threat more conspicuous than in Florida In South Florida, Lygodium microphyllum, which is a relatively recent invader, is currently spreading throughout native ecosystems. Once established in a community, Lygodium displaces native species and alters local fire ecology eventually leading to collapse of the natural community. We are studying both its reproductive strategy and its growth and physiology. Preliminary analysis suggests that Lygodium is capable of intragametophytic selfing, which supports the hypothesis that its reproductive strategy partially explains its continuous spread. Since spores are dispersed readily by wind, the abili~ of a single spore to form a sporophyte will facilitate the rapid spread of Lygodium to new habitats. Early results also show that Lygodium has a growth advantage in low light conditions compared to other native vine species. The mechanisms for this apparent advantage in low light are still being determined. These studies will increase our understanding of the ecology and physiology of this highl) invasive species, and assist land managers in developing strategies to prevent and control its rapid spread.

10. Research on biological control of Old World climbing fern (Lvgodium microphvlluml. Bob Pemberton, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; John Goolsby, Australian Biological Control Lab, USDA-ARS, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia; Gary Buckingham, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Division of Plant Industry Quarantine, Gainesville, FL; Tony Wright, Australian Biological Control Lab, USDA-ARS, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia.

Old World climbing fern, one of the most invasive weeds in Florida, continues to spread rapidly in the state. The weed is native to the Old World tropics and subtropics and is not a problem weed in its native range. Our biological control program on this weed began in 1997 and is based in Florida and Australia. Extensive surveys for natural enemies of Lygodium species have been made in Australia and Asia, and to a lesser degree in Africa. More than 20 species of arthropod natural enemies have been identified. Much of the research on potential biological control agents involves host speCificity testing to determine their host ranges and whether or not they could potential harm economic and

native ferns or other plants in Florida or the region. A complex of defoliating pryalid moths has been found and several species are currently under study. Austromusotima (Cataclysta) camptozonale from Queensland has undergone safety testing in both Australia and Gainesville and it has been found to be a narrow specialist. It will be petitioned for release within the year. A related moth, Musotima conspurcatalis, which occurs throughout Southeast Asia to Australia, is also being evaluated in Gainesville, and preliminary findings indicate that it is also a narrow specialist. An eriophyid mite (Floracarus perrepae), native from India to Australia and New Caledonia, causes leaf curl galls and has been shown in studies in Australia to limit the biomass production of L. microphyllum. This highly specific mite is genetically variable and searches are underway to locate a races or forms of the mite that will perform well on Florida L. microphyllum. Other natural enemies under study include a stem boring moth, a leaf-mining beetle, and a leaf eating sawfly, all of which are native to Southeast Asia.

11 . Evaluation of Ruellia brittoniana (tweedianal cultivars for potential invasiveness. Laurie A. Krumfolz, Dana L. Moller and Sandra B. Wilson, University of Florida, IFAS, Department of Environmental Horticulture, Indian River Research and Education Center, Fort Pierce, FL 34945

The wildtype Ruellia brittoniana (tweediana) has several invasive qualities. There are at least 8 cultivars that have been commercially selected for pink, purple, and white flowers in both tall and dwarf forms, but their invasive potential is unknown. The overall objective of the present study was to characterize potential invasiveness of R. brittoniana across cultivars. Specific objectives were to 1) determine the effect of temperature and cultivar on germination rate, 2) relate viable germination to estimated total seed production per season, and 3) compare growth and flowering across cultivars of mature plants. With the exception of Purple Showers, all cultivars produced seed. Estimated seed production per season was greatest for the wildtype, with plants generating almost 3 times the amount of seed than the second highest seed producer, Chi Chi. Highest germination was obtained in the greenhouse from all cultivars, ranging from 82-100%. Seed germination from dwarf forms produced 9-16% of wild type (tall, purple) seedlings.

12. Engineering containment factors into genetically improved crops. Fredy Altpeter, University of Florida, IFAS, Agronomy Department, Gainesville, FL.

Despite the success of genetic engineering for crop improvement it has been proclaimed that engineered crops with increased fitness would become uncontrollable weeds and that genes would spread into wild species turning them into weeds. The term "superweeds" was created to describe this phenomenon. Including conventional and transgenic approaches for risk mitigation will balance the discussions of the potential hazards of transgenic crops. This presentation will focus on available transgenic approaches for risk mitigation.

13. Something Profound: about an insidious invasive shrub. Alison M. Fox, University of Florida, IFAS, Agronomy Department, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants and Agronomy Department, Gainesville, FL.

Coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata) is a popular ornamental shrub that has invaded natural areas throughout north and central Florida. In mesic forests, it has been shown that as the coverage of coral ardisia plants increases, there is a decrease in the number and cover of native understory species, suggesting long-term ecological impacts from coral ardisia invasion. It appears that this species does not have a long-term seed bank, but is capable of producing huge numbers of seedlings, many of which may remain in a seedling bank before Significant growth. Some species of birds appear to be capable of dispersing viable seeds of coral ardisia but the establishment of remote populations does not appear to be common.

14. Architecture of invasion: the case of Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifoliusl . Lucinda Treadwell and James Cuda. University of Florida. IFAS. Department of Entomology and Nematology. Gainesville. FL.

As part of a larger study of effects of defoliation on growth and reproductive capacity of Brazilian pepper tree (BP). a description of the plant's architecture. in terms of plant architectural model criteria is provided. The plant. well fitted by Attims' model. activates almost perpendicular indeterminate lateral meristems to form long cylinders of compound leaves that figure heavily in its success. Young BP in field plots have been subjected to complete defoliation one or more times and are being monitored for changes in various measurements as well as in counts of active meristems and numbers of flower- and fruit-bearing nodes. Bifurcation ratios. which describe the degree of branchil1{ have been calculated before and about one year after defoliation.

15. Cogongrass (lmperata cylindrical detection and management tactics. J. D. Byrd. Jr .• J. W. Barnett. Jr .• K. D. Burnell. and D. B. Mask. Department of Plant & Soil Sciences. and Y. Huang and L. M. Bruce. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Mississippi State University. Mississippi State. MS.

From 1999 through 2002. 229 herbicides or herbicide combinations or growth regulators were evaluated for cogongrass management in Mississippi. Selective graminicides. such as clethodim {Select. Envoy} applied at 0.25 Ib aiiA once or twice with 1 qtiA crop oil concentrate or two applicatior of sethoxydim {poast} (1 .0 Ib aiiA + 1 qtiA crop oil concentrate or 0.5 Ib aiiA + 0.5% vlv Kinetic) provided only temporary control which peaked at 42 days after treatment. then declined to 0% visual control following greenup the next spring. Three. monthly applications of clethodim (May through Jul provided season-long suppression. but. again. no visual control could be detected following greenup the next spring.

Four herbicides. bromacil {Hyvar} at 18 to 24 Ib aiiA. glyphosate {Roundup PRO. Touchdown} at 2 OJ

3.7 Ib aeiA. imazapyr plus diuron {Sahara} at 1.3 Ib aeiA plus 10.3 Ib aiiA. and imazapyr {Arsenal} at 0.25 Ib aeiA. were the most effective. providing between 50 and 99% control at 365 days after treatment. Other herbicide treatments provided less than 50% control included asulam {Asulox} at ~ or 6.7 Ib aiiA. atrazine plus metolachlor {Bicep} at 1.7 plus 1.0 Ib aiiA or 3.3 plus 2.1 IbiA. bispyribac· sodium {Staple} at 0.03 Ib aiiA. bromacil plus diuron {Krovar} at 1.6 Ib aiiA plus 1.6 Ib aiiA. chlorsulfuron {Telar. Corsair} at 0.05 or 0.09 Ib aiiA. cyanzine (Bladex} at 2 or 4 Ib aiiA. diuron (Dire) Diuron. Karmex} at 1 or 2 Ib aiiA. glufosinate {Finale} at 0.33 or 0.67 Ib aiiA. glyphosate at 1 Ib aeiA. hexazinone {Vel par} at 1.5 or 3 Ib aiiA. imazapic {Plateau} at 0.16 Ib aiiA. imazapyr at 0.125 Ib aeiA. metsulfuron {Escort} at 0.02 or 0.04 Ib aiiA. MSMA {Ansar. several} plus metribuzin {Sencor} at 1.8 I aiiA plus 0.38 Ib aiiA. nicosulfuron {Accent} at 0.03 or 0.06 Ib aVA. primisulfuron {Beacon} at 0.04 or 0.07 Ib aiiA. quinclorac {Drive. Facet} at 0.5 or 1 Ib aiiA. and sulfometuron {Oust} at 0.12 or 0.23 Ib aiiA. A treatment timing study revealed glyphosate at 3.71blA applied July through October provide­approximately 80% cogongrass control just prior to dormancy. Asulam applied at 6.7 IbiA either September or October also provided approximately 70% control just prior to dormancy. A sequenti, monthly application study initiated March 2002 showed g/yphosate at 0.751blA applied 4 times or 1. IbiA or 3.75 IbiA applied 3 or 4 times. provided better than 85% control by 120 days after treatment. a carrier volume study initiated in March. glyphosate efficacy decreased significantly as carrier volur increased from 20 to 40 to 80 gallons per acre by 40 days after treatment (OAT). but by 60 OAT. thl was no significant difference in glyphosate efficacy with all glyphosate treatments providing at least 85% control. In that same study. asulam at 3.3 Ib aiiA. bromacil at 1 Ib aiiA. dalapon {Dowpon} at 2 Ib aiiA. and imazapyr at 0.25 Ib aiiA were not affected by carrier volume. but by 60 OAT provided Ie than 75% contro/.

All herbicide treatments applied using the Burch Wet Blade applicator were less effeoctive for cogongrass control than those treatments applied using conventional nozzles. Another study reve, cogongrass shoot densities just prior to dormancy could be significantly reduced with mowing.

Mowing every other month reduced shoot densities 20% while mowing as frequently as every week reduced shoot density more than 70%.

Hyperspectral reflectance data collected monthly two years, on cogongrass, bahiagrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and vaseygrass analyzed using discrete wavelet transforms revealed late summer and early fall was the best time of year for separation of these species.

16. Invasive Plant Management on Public Lands--A Contractor's Perspective, Jim Burney, President, Aquatic Vegetation Control, Inc., 6753 Garden Road, Riviera Beach, FL 33404.

This presentation discusses the role of private contractors in controlling invasive vegetation on public lands in Florida from a contractors perspective. Topics of discussion will include contractor responsibilities to the client agency and environment, in-house components (ranging from bidding and quality control to labor and equipment), understanding the complexities involved in successfully completing projects in natural areas, and methods and materials selection.

17. Exotic Plant Awareness in Broward County. Mark Westfall, Environmental Coordinator, City of Coral Springs, FL.

The City of Coral Springs received a $200.00 grant from FLEPPC to help fund an ExotiC Plant Awareness Display at the local Broward County Northwest Regional library. The display focused on introducing the concept of invasive plants as well as highlighting several species of local interest. The display included Air Potato tubers, Melaleuca seed pods and bark, Australian Pine cones and needles and Earleaf Acacia seed pods. Each of these items were accompanied by sign giving more details about the plants.

In addition, a large poster describing Lygodium sp. was displayed. So far (knock on wood) Lygodium has not been found in any of the City Parks or natural areas. This poster was aimed at home owners giving them pictures and information needed to identify the plant and requesting occurrence of Lygodium to be reported to the City.

The display together with ongoing efforts by the City have generated a number of additional projects including volunteer workdays and school information activities.

18. Education and regulation on the road to sustainability in Martin County. Florida. Tom Fucigna, R. L. Weigt Environmental Consultants, Hobe Sound, FL.

In June 2001, I proposed that Martin County consider substantial expansion of the Prohibited Species list contained in the County"s Landscape Ordinance. The campaign for list expansion involved documentation of natural area invasions, consensus building among ,supporters, meetings with plant industry professionals, and discussions of economic and ecological impacts. Overall, the process facilitated communication on the topic of invasive exotic plants, and provided an outstanding opportunity to present information to stakeholders in Martin and adjacent Counties. This story has a happy ending - 31 plants were added to the list in December 2001.

19. Herbicides for homeowners to use on melaleuca stumps. Ken Langeland, University of Florida, IFAS, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Agronomy Department, Gainesville, FL.

Brush-B-Gon (8.0% triclopyr amine), Brush Killer, (8.8% triclopyr amine) and Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate (3.7% glyphosate), herbicide products that are readily available to homeowners, and the industrial product, Garlon 3A (44.4% triclopyr amine), were tested to determine their effectiveness for controlling sprouting from stumps of felled melaleuca (Me/a/euca quinquenervia) trees. Brush-B-Gon and Brushkiller were applied undiluted. Roundup Super Concentrate was applied undiluted and diluted with water to 50% and 25%. Garlon 3A was applied

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undiluted, and diluted with water to 50%, 20%, and 5.0%. Arsenal diluted with water to 25% was applied as an industrial standard. Stumps ranged from 54 to 350 cm (average19 cm) diameter (inside bark) and an average of 6.5 ml of herbicide mixture was applied per cm of stump diameter. Three months after application of herbicides (August 2002) all untreated stumps (checks) had sprouted and 50% of stumps treated with 5.0% Garlon 3A had sprouted. No other herbicide treated stumps had sprouted.

21. Brazilian Peppertree Leafrolling Moth Episimus uti/is (Lepidoptera: Tortricidael: Laboratory Biology and Preliminary Results of U.S. Quarantine Host Range Tests. J.P. Cuda, C.G. Martin, K.D. Awadzi, J.L. Gillmore and J.C. Medal, University of Florida, IFAS, Entomology and Nematology Department, Gainesville, FL.

Brazilian peppertree (BP), Sehinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), is an ornamental plant introduced from South America that escaped cultivation and forms dense thickets that are reducing the biodiversity of Florida's plant and animal communities. In the mid 1980s, BP was targeted for classical biological control. Exploratory surveys conducted in Brazil produced several insect natural enemies that cause extensive damage to BP. The larvae of the leafrolling moth Episimus utilis feed on the leaves and are capable of completely defoliating young BP plants. The results of biological and no­choice host specificity studies conducted in U.S. quarantine will be presented.

22. Invasive Plants in The Bahamas: A Perspective. John L. Hammerton, P.O. Box N-8409, Nassau, Bahamas (hammerton@coralwave.com).

The Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission is the authority responsible for oversight of international environmental agreements in The Bahamas. The Biodiversity Subcommittee is concerned with biodiversity issues, including invasive species. Views espoused in this paper however, are strictly those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BEST Commission. Is there something good to be said for some of our invasive species, could they be used, or are they always bad news? Casuarina equisetifolia is a common and serious invasive species, able to colonize inhospitable substrates. It is suggested that there are areas in The Bahamas where it should be managed and harvested as fuel wood. Elsewhere it needs to be removed as a menace to biodiversity. Lantana camara, on the other hand, is neither common nor, at present, a serious invasive species. Given its history of invasiveness however, and its potential for "genetic erosion" of native species, it is suggested that a pre-emptive strike (an application of the precautionary principle?) be used to prevent it becoming invasive. The costs of preventive actions are usually tangible and short term, whereas the costs of failing to act are less tangible and longer term. Me/aleuea quinquenervia, on the other hand, is a species that needs to be removed and eliminated wherever it occurs. Seaevo/a taeeada is already causing displacement of native beach and dune species, but is popular as a hedge and able to grow in nutrient-poor substrates, but on balance it is a species to be eliminated. Sehinus terebinthifolius also needs to be eliminated, as it is spreading in many locations to form dense thickets and displacing native species. Wedelia trilobata is a hardy and attractive ground cover, but has the potential to invade native plant communities. It is suggested that planting of this species be banned, except where it can be contained, and that dumping of garden waste on vacant lots be prohibited (which is easier said than done!). This would also counter the spread of other potential invasive species.

23. Restoration and enhancement of tropical maritime forest at SI. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park. Philip Myers and Jeffrey Hutchinson, Florida Park Service, Archbold Biological Station.

We used a variety of methods to restore and enhance ca. 25 acres of isolated tropical maritime hammock (TMH) in SI. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park. Prior to project initiation, Brazilian pepper (Sehinus terebinthifolius) and Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) dominated much of the project

area, especially at the TMH/mangrove ecotone. With limited time and funding, we treated ca. 25 acres of isolated TMH from May 2001 to February 2002. Based on this project, we feel that limited but recurrent treatment and monitoring of invasive plant infestations can be done by in-house staff with minimal staff and funding.

24. Propagating Florida Lovers: lessons intended to free Florida's natives or a Wrench Wench. a crew of earth savers. a librarv. and scrub jays: pulling weeds for the Florida Team. Heidi Rhoades, Florida Love, Delray Beach, FL.

Enjoy listening to the results of a FLEPPC educational grant. One of this year's grant recipients was Florida Love for their "Wrench Wench Pest Plant Puller Extraordinaire" program. Learn how Florida Love implemented the idea, how they chose the best audiences for the buck, how they cooperated with local schools and agencies, and how they make learning about invasive weeds fun .

POSTER PRESENTERS

1. Biological control of weeds: why does guarantine testing take so long? Gary R. Buckingham and Christine A. Bennett, USDA-ARS and University of Florida/lFAS, USDAIARS, Gainesville, FL.

After a potential biological control agent is found overseas, it either undergoes preliminary host range testing or is sent directly to quarantine. The majority of the insect agents are undescribed species or species with unreported biologies. Biologies must often be studied along with host range testing. Modem test plant lists often include more native plant species than cultivated species. Both must be procured and cultivated, which takes greenhouse space and extra labor. The agents are usually reared in quarantine requiring a steady supply of host plant material. Precautions are needed to prevent diseases. Diseased colonies are difficult to clean.

2. Florida guarantine host range of the melaleuca gall-fly and its nematode companion. Susan A. Wineriter and Gary R. Buckingham, University of Florida/lFAS, USDAIARS and USDAIARS, Gainesville, FL.

An Australian fly, Fergusonina sp., and its nematode symbiont, Fergusobia sp., induce galls, cancer like growths, in leaf buds on melaleuca shoots. A colony was established in quarantine and tests were conducted with all eight species of native Myrtaceae and with 11 other myrtaceous and non­myrtaceous species. No galls matured on any test plant, although some gall-like deformation was observed on ornamental bottlebrushes, Callis/emon (now placed in Me/a/euca) .. Our results coupled with those of a team of researchers conducting field studies in Australia demonstrate a high degree of host specificity of the fly and nematode genera within the Myrtaceae.

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