Abstract Detail

Ecology

Emry, David [1], Bergeron, Paul [2], Watters, Sydney [3], Mercader, Rodrigo [3].

Suitability of Small-Scale Amur Honeysuckle Removal for Passive Restoration Efforts.

Amur honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii (Rupr), a woody shrub native to northeastern Asia, is a common invasive species in many urban, suburban, and rural environments in North America. L. maackii has significant negative impacts on native plant communities and requires intensive management efforts. Rapid regeneration by L. maackii necessitates that removal efforts be maintained for prolonged periods of time to slow its spread and prevent re-establishment. However, intensive management is not always feasible for homeowners and small landowners. In 2016, we began a long-term study of 20 small plots (113 m²) within dense L. maackii growth within a 12.1hectare suburban patch of oak-hickory forest in Shawnee County, KS. Half of the plots were cleared of all L. maackii on a yearly basis, while the other half was left untouched for the duration of the study. Within one year of honeysuckle removal we saw an increase in native plants within the L. maackii removal plots, with an increasing number of individuals across years. However, the vast majority of individuals consisted of very few species, and no significant differences in the effective number of common or dominant native species were observed between 2017 and 2020. In contrast with other work, herbivory did not differ between clipped and unclipped plots, suggesting that slow colonization rather than herbivore pressure limits the reestablishment of trees. Our results suggest that simple removal of L. maackii will lead to the recolonization by a small number of ‘weedy’ species, that will likely remain dominant for several years. Therefore, active restoration will likely be necessary to ensure that a representative sample of native species can serve as a species reservoir for further restoration of forest habitats.

1 - Washburn University, Biology, 1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, KS, 66621, United States
2 - Washington State University, Department of Entomology, 100 Dairy Road, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
3 - Washburn University, Department of Biology, 1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, KS, 66621, USA

Keywords:
restoration
invasive plants.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P1, Ecology Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Monday, July 19th, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM(EDT)
Number: P1EC026
Abstract ID:1062
Candidate for Awards:None