by Rick O'Connor | Jul 27, 2021
Six Rivers “Dirty Dozen” Invasive Species
Callery Pear – Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
Callery Pear
Photo: University of Florida 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 “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:
Korea and China
Introduction:
The Callery Pear was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s intentionally as an ornamental plant. Its fruits were sterile because they do not self pollinate and spreading was not an issue. New cultivars were produced to reduce the tendency of the tree to split when covered with snow, or in high winds. The ‘Bradford’, and other cultivars, have hybridized with the Asian Pear (P. betulifolia) and produced fertile fruit that have spread into natural areas and become an ecological problem.
EDDMapS currently list 6,112 records of this plant spread across the United States. 1,837 are listed in the southeastern United States and 164 of those are in Florida. All 164 are found within the Six Rivers CISMA in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. It is most likely under reported.
Description:
It is a tree that can reach 50 feet in height. It grows very quickly and the branches are close together forming a dense round-ish canopy. The leaves are glossy, simple, ovate in shape, serrated on the edges, and alternate on the branch. It is a deciduous and will turn all sorts of colors in the fall. It produces a beautiful white blossom tinged in pink. It does produce an aroma that some find unpleasant. The fruits are round, about 0.5-1.0” in diameter, and golden brown in color. The bark is dark to light brown in color and very smooth to the touch.
Issues and Impacts:
The primary issue with the Bradford cultivar is the ecological problems it has caused in natural areas. The University of Florida IFAS Assessment considers it a high risk as an invasive species.
Management:
Trees should be cut down and stumps treated with either glyphosate or triclopyr products. Multiple treatments will be needed.
For more information on this Dirty Dozen species, contact your local extension office.
References
Callery (Bradford) Pear. Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=10957.
Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS)
https://www.eddmaps.org/
Gilman, E.F., D.G. Watson, R.W. Klein, A.K. Koeser, D.R. Hilbert, D.C. McClean. Pyrus calleryana, “Bradford” Callery Pear. University of Florida Electronic Data Information System publication.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/ST/ST53700.pdf.
Six Rivers CISMA
https://www.floridainvasives.org/sixrivers/
University of Florida IFAS Assessment
https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/pyrus-calleryana/
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/
