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Abstract
Onokpise, O.U., H. Dueberry, L. Reid,
J.L. Norcini, J.J. Muchovej, and S.K. Bambo. 2007. Comparative Studies on the Control of Cogongrass (Imperata
cylindrica L.). JEMREST 3:323-330.
DOI: 10.4029/2007jemrest3no131
Imperata
cylindrica (L.)
commonly known as cogongrass in the United States has become one of
the most serious invasive species in the southeastern states. It is ranked
among the top seven most invasive species in Florida. Although chemical control has
been used for managing this invasive species, yet the herbicides used remain
ineffective. Two separate studies were initiated to determine the
effectiveness of native plant species such as hairawn muhly grass (Muhlenbergia
capillaries Lam.) for the biological control of I.
cylindrica. In the first study genets and ramets of cogongrass were
planted separately and in combination with genets of muhly grass using 3.8 L
greenhouse pots which were placed outside the greenhouse on the campus of Florida A&M University.
For the second study, root and shoot extracts of muhly grass were placed in
magenta vessels and into these extracts, cogongrass genets and ramets were
planted. These were placed in a growth chamber maintained at 28oC for 16/8
hours day/night photoperiod. A commercial woodchip extract was used as
control. Results indicated that at 17 weeks after planting, root and shoot biomass of cogongrass were
reduced as much as 41% and 23%, respectively, while root:shoot ratios
decreased by up to 25%. These in vivo studies results revealed
that biological control of cogongrass from a plant:plant perspective is
feasible. This approach will lead to less dependence on chemicals while
enhancing the environment and facilitating ecological restoration.
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