Providing long-term control of two invasive vines in New York state

abstract

Understanding the biology of two invasive plants in New York state improves their long-term control.

submitted by

DiTommaso, Antonio | Associate Professor

issue being addressed

Two non-native invasive plant species have been identified as particularly noxious in New York State are pale and black swallow-wort, two long-lived vines closely related to Milkweed plants. These two species have wreaked havoc in both natural and semi-natural areas of the State necessitating the expenditure of substantial sums of money and resources annually for their control. Especially hard hit have been Christmas tree growers, pasture land owners, and natural areas managers, but recently, private landowners have seen depreciation in land values because of swallow-wort infestations. These two species are also a serious threat to Monarch butterflies because although their eggs are laid on the plants, the immature stages of these butterflies cannot develop on these plants and eventually resulting in death. Focused research on better understanding the biology and ecology, including the rate of spread of these species in NY State is needed if successful long-term control is to be achieved.

response

Cornell researchers have initiated a multi-year project that aims to determine what specific stages of the life cycle of these two noxious plants are most susceptible to both short- and long-term control. To date, we have determined that these two species are prolific seed producers and are not attacked by natural enemies in their new range possibly because of potent defense chemicals produced by the plants. Short term control using selective herbicides has shown some promise and this work continues. We have determined that a single application of the herbicide triclopyr may be more effective than multiple clippings in high density stands. This approach however, may not be feasible over large areas of infestation or in sensitive natural areas where threatened and/or endangered species are found. Long term control may require the importation and use of natural enemies that have kept these plants in check in their native regions of Europe.

impact assessment

The availability of effective short-term and long-term control methods for these two aggressive vines will increase land values in affected areas, will decrease their negative impact on NY State Christmas tree growers, pasture land owners and sensitive natural areas across the State.

academic priority area

Environmental Sciences | CALS academic priority
Land-Grant Mission | CALS academic priority

has geographic focus

Canada | country
Missouri | state
Vermont | state
Illinois | state
New Jersey | state
Wisconsin | state
Maryland | state
Ohio | state
Rhode Island | state
Michigan | state
Maine | state
Pennsylvania | state
Massachusetts | state
New York State | state
New Hampshire | state
Connecticut | state
Indiana | state
Minnesota | state

funding source description

Special Grants
Hatch

collaborators

USDA-ARS-PPRU
The Nature Conservancy

key personnel

Lindsey Milbrath
Charles Mohler

department, unit, division

Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS) | Cornell department

mission focus

extension/outreach | project type
research | project type