Galea, Lucy and Le Brocque, Andy and Reardon-Smith, Kate (2014) Lippia (Phyla canescens) and its response to fire. In: Ecological Society of Australia Annual Conference (ESA 2014), 28 Sep-3 Oct 2014, Alice Springs, Australia.
|
Text (Published Version (Abstract))
Galea_LeBrocque_REardonSmith_ESA2014_PV.pdf Download (18kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Lippia (Phyla canescens), a significant invasive weed, is a recognized threat to floodplain woodlands in Australia, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. Current control methods include the use of herbicides, which can be costly and environmentally harmful, particularly in riparian areas. 'Environmentally friendly' control mechanisms are yet to be found, with the potential for biological control still being researched. This research explores the use of fire as a potential control method to help slow the expansion and growth of lippia. Lippia response to fire and the effect of fire in lippia-invaded landscapes has not previously been investigated. Half of the St. Ruth Reserve south of Dalby in Southern Queensland was subject to a control burn in November 2013 by the Western Downs Regional Council in an attempt to reduce lippia abundance in this remnant riparian woodland. This research investigates the response of lippia to the burn. The study will compare the cover abundance of lippia and major functional plant groups between burnt and unburnt (control) sites within the reserve; it will also investigate the impact of fire on lippia germination rates in soil samples from burnt and unburnt sites. Additional studies testing lippia seed viability, using tetrazolium staining, will also be conducted after a range of fire mimicking treatments have been applied to seeds and compared to controls from an unburnt area. This research will contribute to evidence-based decision-making for improved management of lippia-invaded remnant ecosystems.
|
Statistics for this ePrint Item |
Actions (login required)
 |
Archive Repository Staff Only |