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Seed bank dynamics of two exotic grass species in Australia's northern savanna

Setterfield, Samantha A., Bellairs, Sean M., Douglas, Michael M. and Calnan, Taegan A. (2004). Seed bank dynamics of two exotic grass species in Australia's northern savanna. In: Sindel, B.M. and Johnson, S.B. 14th Australian Weeds Conference, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 6-9 September, 2004.

Document type: Conference Paper
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Author Setterfield, Samantha A.
Bellairs, Sean M.
Douglas, Michael M.
Calnan, Taegan A.
Title Seed bank dynamics of two exotic grass species in Australia's northern savanna
Conference Name 14th Australian Weeds Conference
Conference Location Wagga Wagga, NSW
Conference Dates 6-9 September, 2004
Conference Publication Title 14th Australian Weeds Conference proceedings: Weed Management - balancing people, planet, profit
Editor Sindel, B.M.
Johnson, S.B.
Place of Publication Sydney, NSW
Publisher Weed Society of New South Wales
Publication Year 2004
ISBN 9780975248805   (check CDU catalogue  open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 555
End Page 557
Total Pages 3
Field of Research 0502 - Environmental Science and Management
HERDC Category E1 - Conference Publication (DEST)
Abstract The control of two exotic grasses, Andropogon gayanus (gamba grass) and Pennisetum polystachion (mission grass) represent a major management challenge in Australia's tropical savannas. Understanding the size and longevity of the soil seed bank can assist in understanding the management requirements for these species, such as on-going control requirements. This study assessed the seed longevity of mission and gamba grasses, and the seed bank in sites densely invaded by either gamba or by mission grass, and compared them with uninvaded sites. The germinable seed bank of the exotic grasses declines markedly from the dry season to the early wet season, whereas the germinable native seed bank increases during this time. Longevity trials suggest that the proportion of exotic seeds carried over is low, ~2.3 and 0.1% for gamba and mission grass, respectively. The carryover of the exotic seed bank demonstrates the importance of ongoing control. The seed bank of native species in the invaded sites was higher than the exotic seed bank, and it represents a natural source of seed for rehabilitation following control.
Keyword Andropogon gayanus
Pennisetum polystachion
Seed longevity
Weed control
Savanna
Description for Link Link to conference paper
URL http://caws.org.au/awc/2004/awc200415551.pdf
 
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