Title
Ammophila arenaria (marram grass) persistence through seedling recruitment.
Author(s)
Konlechner, T. M.; Hilton, M. J.
Author Affiliation
Department of Botany, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
Conference paper
17th Australasian weeds conference. New frontiers in New Zealand: together we can beat the weeds. Christchurch, New Zealand, 26-30 September, 2010 2010 pp. 390-393
Publisher information
New Zealand Plant Protection Society, Hastings, New Zealand
Language of Text
English
Record Number
20123079399
Abstract
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 seed that can then germinate. Any agency attempting to control marram grass must commit to at least a decade of control to ensure success.