Managing Spread from Rhizome Fragments is Key to Reducing Invasiveness in Miscanthus X giganteus

Authored by Natalie M West, David P Madaga, Adam S Davis

Date Published: 2014

DOI: 10.1614/ipsm-d-14-00018.1

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: R

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Flow charts Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: http://www.bioone.org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/doi/suppl/10.1614/IPSM-D-14-00018.1/suppl_file/west+et+al+appendix+2_model+code.r

Abstract

Miscanthus X giganteus, a widely planted biofeedstock, is generally regarded as a relatively low invasion concern. As a seed-infertile species, it lacks a consistent mechanism of long-distance dispersal, a key contributor to invasion rate, and constitutes a low risk for cultivation escape. However, agricultural production shelters plants from stochasticity and increases propagule pressure, enhancing the potential for low-risk species to take advantage of rare dispersal opportunities. Weed risk assessments of M. X giganteus assume the rarity of events such as scouring and flooding that would facilitate secondary dispersal of vegetative rhizome fragments and the long-term sexual inviability of escapes. Combining data from small-scale rhizome fragmentation and movement experiments, and estimates from the literature, we parameterized an individual-based model to examine M. X giganteus spread given three dispersal scenarios. We further evaluated our estimates in response to different field edge buffer widths and monitoring intensities, two key strategies advised for containing biofuel crops. We found that clonal expansion from the field edge alone was sufficient to allow the crop to outgrow buffers of 3 m or less within 11 to 15 yr with low monitoring intensities. Further, models that included the possibility of rhizome dispersal from fields and scouring at field edges demonstrate the potential for long-distance dispersal and establishment with inadequate management. Our study highlights the importance of considering minimum enforced management guidelines for growers to maintain the ecological integrity of the agricultural landscape.
Tags
Management Risk Dispersal invasion biofuel Traits