Journal Article

Managing an Established Tree Invader: Developing Control Methods for Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera) in Maritime Forests

Pile, Lauren S., Waldrop, Thomas A., Layton, Patricia A., Bridges, William C., Wang, G. Geoff, Walker, Joan L.

2017

Overview

Biological invasions by woody species in forested ecosystems can have significant impacts on forest management and conservation. We designed and tested several management options based on the physiology of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera [L.] Small). Specifically, we tested four treatments, including mastication, foliar herbicide, and fire (MHfolF), mastication and foliar herbicide (MHfol), dormant-stem herbicide and fire (HdorF), and dormant-stem herbicide (Hdor), to determine their efficacy in reducing the density and regeneration of this highly invasive tree species. Mastication treatments were significant in reducing density the first year but not after 3 years. Prescribed fire significantly reduced density combined with previous treatments. Regeneration coverage was highest on those sites with mastication, which was not affected by the addition of prescribed fire. Overall, we found that the most comprehensive treatment (MHfolF) was more effective in reducing density but did not result in a difference in the amount of regeneration after treatment. Management and Policy Implications Chinese tallow is a highly invasive tree species in the southeastern coastal plain, USA. Chinese tallow invasions can displace native species, potentially having substantial economic impacts on timber resources and desirable forest diversity. Attempts to manage and control Chinese tallow with single treatments are often only temporarily effective because of its ability to regenerate from a persistent seed bank and by root and stump sprouting. In this study, we developed and tested a multiple-treatment regime using mastication and herbicide treatments followed by prescribed burning to reestablish this important ecological process. Individual treatments were timed and sequenced to reduce Chinese tallow densities when they were physiologically most susceptible to further limit their regrowth and new seedling establishment. Long-term control will require additional burning or treatments before seedlings escape to larger size classes. Therefore, effective management of Chinese tallow requires a forward-thinking, integrated approach that aims not only to reduce or exclude the invader but also to restore the affected community by building resistance to future invasion. Furthermore, in the selection of invasive species management practices, the prevention of future invasion must be considered because management actions themselves are disturbance events and many invasive species thrive in disturbed environments.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Biological invasions / Burning / Coastal plains / Control methods / Controlled burning / Density / Economic impact / Effectiveness / Forest management / Herbicides / Indigenous species / Introduced species / Invasive plants / Invasive species / Mastication / Nonnative species / Plant species / Prescribed fire / Regeneration / Regrowth / Seed banks / Seedlings / Seeds / Stems / Triadica sebifera