by Rick O'Connor | Jul 22, 2021
EDRR Invasive Species
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
Water Hyacinth Photo Credit: Vic Ramey, UF/IFAS
Define Invasive Species: must have ALL of the following –
- Is non-native to the area, in our case northwest Florida
- Introduced by humans, whether intentional or accidental
- Causing either an environmental or economic problem, possibly both
Define EDRR Species: Early Detection Rapid Response. These are species that are either –
- Not currently in the area, in our case the Six Rivers CISMA, but a potential threat
- In the area but in small numbers and could be eradicated
Native Range:
Water hyacinth is native to South America.
Introduction:
It was introduced intentionally by horticulturists in 1884 at the Cotton States Exposition in New Orleans.
EDDMapS currently list 15,051 records of water hyacinth in the U.S. These records are scattered across the country with over 12,000 coming from the state of California. There are 1,229 reported from the southeastern U.S., which is certainly under reported, and 784 in Florida, also under reported – though resource managers indicate that amount of water hyacinth in Florida has decreased with management efforts. There are 13 records reported from the Six Rivers CISMA. This is assumed to be under reported but suggest the plant is correctly listed as an EDRR species and spread could be stopped. Three are from the Mobile delta area, one from Fairhope AL, and the remaining in Okaloosa County.
Description:
This is a perennial free floating freshwater aquatic plant, with long dark roots. The leaves form rosettes and the petioles can be 12” in length. They are bulbous and inflated, particularly near the base. The leaves are a deep green and glossy looking. They can be six inches wide and elliptic in shape.
The flowers extend above the rosette. They are lavender and blue with a flash of yellow. The flower can be 12” tall and 2” across.
Issues and Impacts:
The plant can form extremely dense floating mats making boating, fishing, or any other water recreation impossible. These dense mats can inhibit the growth of other native plants, reducing certain aquatic animals, and overall decreasing biodiversity. The mats reduce air-water oxygen exchange reducing dissolved oxygen as well as block sunlight reducing the development of many submerged aquatic vegetation. Again, reducing the systems overall biodiversity.
Management:
Small patches in local ponds and lakes can easily be removed by hand.
For large infestations there are large mechanical mowers/choppers that can be used to remove from the waterway. The remains can be further chopped and disposed of.
There are herbicides that can be used but these must be ones approved by both the U.S. EPA and FDACS for use in aquatic systems. The labels will state this. It is illegal to do so otherwise. Care should be taken when selecting herbicides for aquatic use considering other important aquatic plants and toxicity to aquatic animals such as fish. Diquat is considered an excellent choice. Carfentrazone and copper are considered fair. Others are not recommended. NOTE: these herbicides do not always completely eradicate the plant and windy conditions can make treatments a problem. The EDIS publication referenced below is a helpful resource to begin review of chemical treatment, and you can always contact your county extension office for more advice before using aquatic herbicides.
For more information on this EDRR species, contact your local extension office.
References
Water Hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes
University of Florida IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/eichhornia-crassipes/
Efficacy of Herbicide Active Ingredients Against Aquatic Weeds.
Enloe, S.F., M.D. Netherland, W. Haller, and K. Langeland.
University of Florida IFAS Electronic Data Information Service (EDIS)
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ag262.
Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS)
https://www.eddmaps.org/
Six Rivers CISMA
https://www.floridainvasives.org/sixrivers/
by Sheila Dunning | Jul 15, 2021
Photo by: Dr. Steve Johnson
Treefrog calls are often heard with each rain event. But, how about a “snoring raspy” call that begins after a day time light rain? That may be a male Cuban treefrog trying to attract the girls. Cuban treefrogs breed predominately in the spring and summer. Reproduction is largely stimulated by rainfall, especially warm summer rains such as those associated with tropical weather systems and intense thunderstorms.
Range of Cuban treefrog
The Cuban treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, was accidently introduced to Florida in the 1920’s as a stowaway in shipping crates from the Caribbean. Over the last hundred years, the invasive frog has managed to spread throughout Florida and the Southeastern U.S. by hitchhiking on ornamental plants, motorized vehicles and boats. Though occasional cold winters have created temporary population setbacks, new generations of Cuban treefrogs continue to be reported in north Florida, including the Panhandle.
An invasive species is generally defined as a plant, animal or microbe that is found outside od its native range, where it negatively impacts the ecology, economy or quality of human life. Cuban treefrogs come out at night to feed on snails, millipedes, spiders and a vast array of insects. But, they are also predators of several Florida native frogs, lizards and snakes. Tadpoles of the invasive Cuban treefrog have been shown to inhibit the growth and development of native Southern toad and green treefrog tadpoles when all of the species are in the same water body. Additionally, a large female Cuban treefrog can lay over 10,000 eggs per season in very small amounts of water.
Panhandle citizens can help manage the invasive Cuban treefrog by learning to identify them and reduce their numbers. All treefrogs have expanded pads on the ends of their toes. Cuban treefrogs have exceptionally large toepads. They also have a “big eyed” appearance due to their oversized bulging eyes. Cuban treefrogs may exceed 6 inches in length, have warty-looking skin with possible blotches, bands or stripes, and vary greatly in color. However, they can be distinguished from other treefrogs. Cuban treefrogs have a yellowish wash where their front and rear legs are attached to their body. Juvenile Cuban treefrogs have red eyes and blue bones visible through the skin of their hind legs. The skin of the Cuban treefrog produces a sticky secretion that can cause a burning or itching sensation if it contacts the eyes or nose of certain individuals. It is recommended to wear gloves and wash your hands after handling Cuban treefrogs.
It is important to document the locations of Cuban treefrogs in the Panhandle. By placing short sections of PVC pipe in the ground around your home and garden will provide hiding places for treefrogs that enables you to monitor for Cuban treefrogs. Cut 10 foot sections of 1.5-inch-diameter PVC pipe into approximately three-foot-long sections and push them into the ground about 3-4 inches. To remove a frog from a pipe, place a clear sandwich bag over the top end, pull the pipe from the ground, and insert a dowel rod in the other end to scare the frog into the baggie. If you suspect you have seen one, take a picture and send it to Dr. Steve Johnson at tadpole@ufl.edu. Include your name, date, and location. Dr. Johnson can verify the identity. If it is a Cuban treefrog, upload the information by going to http://www.eddmaps.org/ and click the “Report Sightings” tab.
Once identified as a Cuban treefrog, it should be euthanized humanly. To do that, the Cuban treefrog in a plastic sandwich bag can be placed into the refrigerator for 3-4 hours then transferred to the freezer for an additional 24 hours. Alternatively, a 1-inch stripe benzocaine-containing ointment (like Orajel) to the frog’s back to chemically anesthetize it before placing it into a freezer. After freezing, remove the bagged frog from the freezer and dispose of in the trash. Ornamental ponds should also be monitored for Cuban treefrog egg masses especially after a heavy rain. The morning after a rain, use a small-mesh aquarium net to scoop out masses of eggs floating on the surface of the pond and simply discard them on the ground to dry out. Various objects that can collect water found throughout your yard need to be dumped out regularly to reduce breeding spots for both Cuban treefrogs and mosquitoes.
by Rick O'Connor | May 21, 2021
Six Rivers “Dirty Dozen” Invasive Species
Torpedograss (Panicum repens)
Torpedograss
Photo: University of Florida
Define Invasive Species: must have all of the following –
- Is non-native to the area, in our case northwest Florida
- Introduced by humans, whether intentional or accidental
- Causing either an environmental or economic problem, possibly both
Define “Dirty Dozen” Species:
These are species that are well established within the CISMA and are considered, by members of the CISMA, to be one of the top 12 worst problems in our area.
Native Range:
Africa and Asia.
Introduction:
Torpedograss was initially introduced prior to 1876 in seed for forage. In the early 1900s the USDA introduced the plant as a forage crop for pastures.
EDDMapS currently list 13,900 records of this plant. They range throughout the coastal states of the southeastern U.S. but most (96%) are in Florida and those records spread across the entire state from Pensacola to the Florida Keys.
Within our CISMA there are 2262 records, most are in Okaloosa County. The extent is probably underreported.
Description:
It is a tall grass reaching a height of 3-4 feet and grows along the shorelines, though it has on occasion been found more inland. The leaves are thin, stiff, flat, and “hairy” on the top and around the sheath. It has a waxy coating that appears “whiteish” and the leaves may fold. It has an extensive rhizome system that can grow deep into the ground and ends in a sharp point, where it gets its common name “torpedograss”. The flowers are a panicle-type inflorescence extending from the top of the plant.
Issues and Impacts:
This is an aggressively growing plant dispersing primarily from fragmentation and expansion of the sharp-pointed rhizome system. It quickly forms dense mats and out competes native grasses, many times forming monocultures along the shoreline where native plants have been removed. By 1992 it was reported in 70% of Florida’s public waterways, restricting waterflow, recreational use, and has become particularly problematic on golf courses.
Management:
Torpedograss spreads primarily by extended their rhizomes, or fragments of these rhizomes. When removing from the shoreline it is important to remove ALL of the rhizomes or the plant will return. It is also important not to spread fragments of these rhizomes while mowing or weed-eating the plant.
It is most aggressive in open disturbed areas. After mowing or burning land is when dense patches emerge. Maintaining a diversity of native shoreline grasses will help impede dispersal and growth.
Mowing and disking have not been very effective. In fact, disking may cut and spread the rhizomes.
When choosing chemical treatment, glyphosate has been every effective. However, this chemical is non-selective and overspray can kill native plants you wish to keep. Also, the plant is often in the water and an aquatic version of glyphosate should be used. When using near water read all instructions carefully to avoid killing other aquatic plants. Since the rhizomes can grow deep, and are at times submerged, re-treatment may be needed.
There are no biological agents currently approved for torpedograss management but cattle and goats both will eat the plant. Though it does not always remove the rhizomes, grazing can be a method of control.
For more information on this Dirty Dozen species, contact your local extension office.
References
Torpedograss, University of Florida IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/panicum-repens/.
Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS)
https://www.eddmaps.org/
Six Rivers CISMA
https://www.floridainvasives.org/sixrivers/
by Rick O'Connor | May 5, 2021
EDRR Invasive Species
Land Snail (Bulimulus sporadicus)
Bulimulus sporadicus
Photo: University of Florida
Define Invasive Species: must have ALL of the following –
- Is non-native to the area, in our case northwest Florida
- Introduced by humans, whether intentional or accidental
- Causing either an environmental or economic problem, possibly both
Define EDRR Species: Early Detection Rapid Response. These are species that are either –
- Not currently in the area, in our case the Six Rivers CISMA, but a potential threat
- In the area but in small numbers and could be eradicated
Native Range:
Bulimulus sporadicus is native to the West Indies.
Introduction:
There appears to have been multiple points of entry into Florida. It was first identified in Florida by Dr. Harry G. Lee, who discovered the snail in Duval County in 2009. Additional surveys found four different populations all associated with the CSX railways. It is believed the snail was introduced via the railway cars coming from Mexico. Populations began to appear both north and south of the original location, all near the CSX railways. The animal has been reported from central and south Florida, as well Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Northwest Florida.
EDDMapS currently list only 2 records of Bulimulus sporadicus. One in central and another in south Florida. There are no EDDMapS records of the snail in the Florida panhandle, but it has been reported in Pensacola and Panama City. There are no records within the Six Rivers CISMA but it is believed to be here. Records of this animal is certainly under reported.
Description:
This is a small (3/4 – 1”) land snail. It has a conical shell that is light brown to tan in color. They are often found near gardening areas and seem to like the high humidity and moist conditions here.
Issues and Impacts:
A 2018 publication from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health noted that it was not designated as invasive in any state, nor the federal level. However, with the relatively new introduction and wide spread of this species it warrants observation.
Management:
There are no management plans for this snail at this time. Chemical treatment of plants to reply the snail are not recommended. It appears the snail prefers the leaf litter within the mulch rather than the live plants. Snail baits, and other pesticides, can be harmful to pets and native wildlife and are not recommended. They do like mulched areas within gardens and if the home owner is having a serious problem, management of this type of habitat may be needed.
For more information on this EDRR species, contact your local extension office.
References
Stauderman, K. 2020. A Snail That Rode the Rails. UF/IFAS Extensions Volusia County Blog. http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2020/04/07/a-snail-that-rode-the-rails/.
Snail (Bulimulus sporadicus, O’Brigny 1835). 2018. Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. https://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=78908.
Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS)
https://www.eddmaps.org/
Six Rivers CISMA
https://www.floridainvasives.org/sixrivers/
by Rick O'Connor | Apr 22, 2021
Six Rivers “Dirty Dozen” Invasive Species
Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Chinese privet in bloom.
Photo: Molly O’Connor
Define Invasive Species: must have all of the following –
- Is non-native to the area, in our case northwest Florida
- Introduced by humans, whether intentional or accidental
- Causing either an environmental or economic problem, possibly both
Define “Dirty Dozen” Species:
These are species that are well established within the CISMA and are considered, by members of the CISMA, to be one of the top 12 worst problems in our area.
Native Range:
Chinese privet is from China.
Introduction:
Was introduced to the U.S. in 1852 as an ornamental plant often used as a hedge. It escaped cultivation and has spread across the Florida panhandle and into the peninsula as far as Hillsborough County.
EDDMapS currently list 12,702 records of this plant. They are scattered across the southeastern United States, west as far as Texas and Oklahoma, and north into the mid-west and as far as Connecticut. There are 1,883 records in Florida. 1,740 in the panhandle and 143 in the peninsula. There are 1,461 records within the CISMA. This is CERTAINLY underreported.
Description:
Chinese privet is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 16 feet in height. It has smooth bark and dark green elliptical leaves which are arranged opposite from each other – this is noticeable from a distance. Each leave is 1-3” in length. The small flowers grow from short branches at the ends of each twig. The slate blue fruits contain 1-4 seeds and can persist throughout winter. Seed dispersal is often aided by consuming wildlife.
Issues and Impacts:
This is a fast growing plant that can form dense populations in uplands and wetland areas. It quickly outcompetes native plants for space and is often the dominant plant within the system. It is listed as a Florida Invasive Species Council Category I invasive plant and a Florida noxious weed.
Management:
Management techniques depend on abundance of plants in area.
If there are few plants, they can be hand pulled or dug up. It is recommended not do this while in seed as seed dispersal can be a problem while removing.
If mowing is possible it can be effective if (a) you mow close to the ground, and (b) you do so frequently.
For larger areas where mowing and digging are not an option herbicides can be used. Foliar applications of glyphosate (at 25%) have been affective but be careful of overspray. Cut stump applications will work with glyphosate (25%) or triclopyr (1-2 quarts / acre). It is recommended to do herbicide applications in early spring or late fall.
There is no known biological control at this time.
For more information on this Dirty Dozen species, contact your local extension office.
References
Chinese Privet, University of Florida IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/ligustrum-sinense/.
Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS)
https://www.eddmaps.org/
Six Rivers CISMA
https://www.floridainvasives.org/sixrivers/
by Rick O'Connor | Apr 8, 2021
EDRR Invasive Species
Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundfolia)
Vitex beginning to take over bike path on Pensacola Beach. Photo credit: Rick O’Connor
Define Invasive Species: must have ALL of the following –
- Is non-native to the area, in our case northwest Florida
- Introduced by humans, whether intentional or accidental
- Causing either an environmental or economic problem, possibly both
Define EDRR Species: Early Detection Rapid Response. These are species that are either –
- Not currently in the area, in our case the Six Rivers CISMA, but a potential threat
- In the area but in small numbers and could be eradicated
Native Range:
Beach vitex is native to the coastal shores of Asian countries bordering the Pacific rim. It is also found in Hawaii.
Introduction:
There are conflicting records as to when it was first introduced to the U.S. One record has it in the country as early as the 1950s. However, there are no records of plants from that stock still existing. Most records suggest the release of the plant occurred in the 1980s when it was brought to North Carolina as a potential ornamental plant. It was then used in dune restoration after a series of hurricanes and became a problem. Thus, it was intentionally introduced.
EDDMapS currently list 649 records of beach vitex. Most are in North Carolina. There are 82 records in Florida and 46 (56%) are in the Pensacola Bay area. We currently have 75 records from the Pensacola Bay area. Not all are reported on EDDMapS due to private property restrictions. Records do occur in coastal Alabama, Mississippi, as well as Okaloosa and Franklin counties in the Florida panhandle.
Distribution is most likely due to the high tolerance of salt water by the seeds and dispersal by currents, as well as intentional plantings by local landscapers and homeowners. Vitex rotundifolia is now a noxious weed in Florida and can no longer be sold.
Within our CISMA there are records in all coastal counties (Baldwin, Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa)
Description:
Beach vitex is a perennial plant that initiates from a main taproot and extends herbaceous vines across the surface of the substrate in almost a 360° pattern. The vines can grow as much as 20 feet in length and become more woody with age. As the plant grows, secondary roots extend from each of the nodes from the above ground stems (vines) and becomes more of a shrub, reaching a height of about two feet.
The two-inch leaves are ovate in shape, a light green to blue-green color, and are aligned opposite of each other. They turn a reddish brown during the fall and winter and many plants will lose their leaves completely during this time.
The blossom is a lavender color and made of numerous small petals. The blossoms are present during the spring and summer. They will produce numerous charcoal gray fruits in fall and winter. Each fruit can hold up to four seeds. It has been reported that the plant can produce over 1000 seeds / m2.
Issues and Impacts:
After planting for dune restoration in North Carolina, the plant quickly became a monoculture. It is allelopathic creating a hydrophobic situation in the soil. This situation can cause the decline of native plants, such as sea oats (Uniola paniculata). As the plant becomes more of a shrub it decreases the amount of sunlight reaching the surface further decreasing the smaller native plants and the ability for many to germinate.
This altering of the native dune plant community can have potential impacts on the native faunal communities. There are concerns on its impacts to protected species such as beach mice and nesting sea turtles.
Having a taproot system rather than a fibrous one like the sea oat, can comprise dune integrity during tropical storms. It is known that these dune systems provide protection for natural and developed areas behind them.
Management:
Finding the plants early and removing by hand is the first and best option. The plant is relatively new to the panhandle area and smaller ones are often found. Once the small plants are found, you can simply cut the above ground vine into 2 foot sections and place in a trash bag – you should double bag this. Woody vines may puncture the bag so shorter sections may be needed for those.
Once you reach the taproot you may be able to pull it from the ground, or you may need to dig it out. This method works well in loose dry sandy soils, it may require more digging and cutting if soils are more compacted. If you cannot remove the entire taproot, we recommend spot spraying the remainder with glyphosate. Be careful not to over spray, glyphosate is non-selective and will kill any native plants it comes into contact with.
In cases where the patch of vitex is too large to remove by hand then chemical treatment will be needed. Several studies have been published as to which herbicides are effective. Imazapyr, Triclopyr, and Glyphosate are all products that have been used both in foliage application and cut stem with success. The exact concentrations vary with abundance of plants and surrounding habitats and re-treatments over a few years may be required. We recommend you reach out to your local CISMA or county extension office for more direct help on your situation.
For more information on this EDRR species, contact your local extension office.
References
Invasive Species – Beach Vitex. Rick O’Connor. 2017. UF IFAS Escambia County Blog. http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2017/03/20/invasive-species-beach-vitex/.
Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS)
https://www.eddmaps.org/
Six Rivers CISMA
https://www.floridainvasives.org/sixrivers/
