Cogongrass seedheads are easily spotted this time of year. Photo Credit: Mark Mauldin
We are well into spring and a wide variety of plants are showing off their colorful blooms. As lovely as most of the blooms are, some springtime colors are an unwelcome sight. Such is the case with the showy, white seedhead that is produced by Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica). The presence of Cogongrass – a highly aggressive, invasive, perennial – in Florida is not news; it has been in Florida since at least the 1930’s. However, the white seedhead that it produces in the spring makes it easier to locate and identify. When the seedhead is not present, the somewhat boring looking grass has the ability to blend in with its surroundings. This makes it harder for un-expecting landowners to identify the new/small infestations which are much easier to eliminate than are larger, well established infestations.
While cogongrass spreads primarily by rhizomes the seedheads can make new infestations easier to find. Photo Credit: Mark Mauldin
Controlling cogongrass is not easy but it is necessary. If left uncontrolled cogongrass will continue to aggressively spread, displacing other desirable vegetation. Generally speaking, control is a multi-year process. Because the specific recommendations for controlling cogongrass can vary somewhat by situation it is highly advisable that you contact a UF/IFAS Extension Agent in your county if you suspect that you have cogongrass on your property.
“Cogongrass is a perennial that varies greatly in appearance. The leaves appear light green, with older leaves becoming orange-brown in color. In areas with killing frosts, the leaves will turn light brown during winter months and present a substantial fire hazard. Cogongrass grows in loose to compact bunches, each ‘bunch’ containing several leaves arising from a central area along a rhizome. The leaves originate directly from ground level and range from one to four feet in length. Each leaf is 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch wide with a prominent, off-center, white mid-rib. The leaf margins are finely serrated; contributing to the undesirable forage qualities of this grass. Seed production predominately occurs in the spring, with long, fluffy-white seedheads. Mowing, burning or fertilization can also induce sporadic seedhead formation. Seeds are extremely small and attached to a plume of long hairs.”
This is the time of year when cogongrass is the easiest to identify. Take advantage of this opportunity to locate new infestations and work with your county agent to develop a control plan. Once a plan is in place, follow it to the end. Stopping after the first year will practically ensure that control will not be achieved.
A relatively new patch of cogongrass recently found in Washington County. Photo Credit: Mark Mauldin
More information on cogongrass can be found by following the links below
Red Lionfish are a predatory reef fish that are non-native invasive species and have spread throughout Florida Waters. They are members of the family Scorpaenidae whose members are venomous and the lionfish is no exception. This fish is relatively small ranging from 10-12 inches in length and have a zebra-like appearance with long, showy pectoral fins. They have a row of long dorsal spines that contain venom glands. Their native range is the South Pacific and Indian Oceans and preferred habitat is on offshore reef structures. These fish are considered to be voracious eaters feeding on native fish, reducing vital native populations, and competing for food with native fish such as grouper and snapper.
With few predators, these fish are thriving in Florida waters, even in the northern Gulf of Mexico. They reproduce often, under good conditions as often as every 3-4 days, with eggs hatching after about two days. They also consume a variety of local species. Research has found in some cases there has been an 80% decline in reef fish recruitment and loss of some economically important species. These fish are able to expand their stomachs for large meals and can survive starvation for over 12 weeks. Lionfish are an invasive species in our local waters and removal is encouraged.
The most effective control of this species is removal by spearfishing; though some recent reports of hook and line capture using live bait have occurred. Lionfish are cryptic and nocturnal but local divers have found them hovering near reefs at midday. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) changed regulations to increase harvesting opportunities. Such changes include no requirement for a recreational fishing license when using spearing devices (pole spear, a Hawaiian Sling, handheld net, or spearing devices marked for use on lionfish), and no recreational or commercial bag limit; though recreational fishing license is required for other fishing methods. Check the FWC regulations before fishing or diving for these species.
Lionfish are venomous, must be handled carefully, venom glands occur on the dorsal, pelvic and anal spines. Lionfish sightings can be reported at 877.786.7267, the newly released FWC lionfish app,or (if in the Pensacola area) the lionfish map. If stung the wound can be treated with warm (but not scalding) water. You may need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Rarely are stings fatal unless the person has an allergic reaction. The Poison Help Hotline can be reached at 800.222.1222. Inshore sighting information is being collected by Florida Sea Grant in Escambia County to track the movement of these species. You can fill out the online report on the USGS website or the REEF website and stay up to date on research as it pertains to this species at the new NOAA lionfish portal and Florida Sea Grant.
For more information contact the author Rick O’Connor, UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension – Sea Grant and Marine Science Extension Agent, 850-475-5230.
Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera):
Large heart-shaped leaves completely cover this fence-row in Bay County. Photo by Julie McConnell.
Air potato is a tall climbing herbaceous plant that is in the yam family and can overtake natural and urban areas in a very short time. Air Potato uses twining tendrils that allow it to quickly climb over shrubs, trees, and man-made structures. The large heart-shaped leaves and potato looking “bulbils” that hang from the vine make identification fairly easy. The bulbils spread the growth of the plant, along with underground tubers. The plant will die back during the winter, but unless the vines, bulbils and underground tubers are removed, it will come back in the spring. The air potato is native to Asia and was introduced in Florida in the 1905. The potato is not good to eat and in some cases, may be poisonous.
There are a number of ways to control this species, and using a combination of methods may lead to greater success. Eliminating the vines and bulbils by collecting them, be sure to dispose of them where they will not be spread to other areas. The bulbils and underground tubers cannot survive freezing temperatures, so placing them in a freezer for a day and then disposing of them will help eliminate new growth.
Some cites in Florida have sponsored activities that involve the community in gathering air potato and other invasive species. Collecting the bulbils and underground tubers is easiest to do during the winter, when the green vegetation has dies back.
Herbicide treatments are best when applied during the late part of the growing season when plants are sending carbohydrates to the root system this is usually August through October. Wait as late as possible but before the leaves start turning yellow to apply. Yearly treatments may be needed to eventually eliminate the plant entirely. Apply herbicides according to the label on the herbicide container and apply with caution as not to spray other plants. For more information on types and strengths of herbicides to use in the fight against air potato, click here. If you have questions on using herbicides contact your local county extension office.
Biological controls are being tested in various parts of Florida using a beetle that was found to dine on air potato vegetation and tubers at different life stages. For more information on biological controls, click here.
Click here for an identification card for the air potato. For more information contact the author Chris Verlide, UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension – Sea Grant Extension Agent, 850-623-3868.
Air Potato can spread quickly along the ground and into trees. Photo by Julie McConnell (click for larger image)
Florida is extending a warm welcome to a new pest! In 2012, the Kudzu bug made its first appearance in our state. And they are settling in to stay. The kudzu bug was first documented in the US in 2009 in Northeast Georgia. It has quickly spread throughout the southeast.
At first, a pest that attacks kudzu sounds pretty good but this bug also attacks wisteria, figs, and other legumes like beans and peas. It is a serious pest to soybeans that are grown in our area. They are similar to stink bugs and discharge an odor when disturbed. Skin and eye irritation can occur from this odor emission.
Kudzu bugs are small (3.5-6mm long), and are rounded oblong in shape, and olive-green in color. They lay egg masses in two rows of 13 to 137 eggs per row. The first generation of kudzu bugs seem to prefer to feed on kudzu but subsequent generations will feed on and lay eggs on other legumes. When fall comes, the adults over-winter where they can find shelter. They crawl under tree bark and into cracks in houses.
Kudzu Bugs feeding on soybean plants in Jackson County. Credit: Doug Mayo
If kudzu bugs make their way into your home, you can vacuum them up and dispose of them. If they are in your landscape or garden, you can set up a trap using a bucket of soapy water and a piece of white poster board. Kudzu bugs are attracted to lighter colors. To make the trap, cut the poster board in half. Attach the two halves by cutting a line up the middle of the two pieces and put them together. They should be in the shape of a plus sign. Place the board over the bucket of soapy water.
Insecticides can be used but timing and placement are very important. Right now, kudzu bugs are just becoming active making now a good time to spray kudzu host plants with an insecticide. Insecticide active ingredients ending in “-thrin” are effective against kudzu bugs. Controlling kudzu near your house will help decrease the number of bugs but they are strong flyers and can migrate through neighborhoods that aren’t near kudzu.
There are some natural enemies of kudzu bugs! Generalist predators like green lacewings, lady beetles, damsel bugs and big eye bugs will attack kudzu bug nymphs. There are also two parasitoids that attack them. A tiny wasp was discovered in 2013 that develops in the kudzu bug eggs. Also in 2013, a fly was discovered that lays its eggs in the adult kudzu bug.
Beach vitex expands its woody rhizomes aggressively; it can actually grow over sidewalks and driveways.
Originally from the Pacific rim of Asia, Beach Vitex was brought to South Carolina to help restore dunes lost during storms. Also known as round-leaved chaste tree and pohinahina, this low-growing shrub does very well in coastal habitats. The plant is a small, deciduous shrub that can grow to a height of 3 feet and forms root and rhizome masses extending over 60 feet from the parent plant. The stems are fleshy when young but become woody with age. The leaves are simple and measure 1 – 2.5 inches in length, are ovate, and dark green on top while lower surface is light green to silver. Locally it flowers in the spring producing beautiful purple to light blue flowers. The fruit forms in mid-summer and are charcoal gray color.
Rapid growth and dense fruit production allows this plant to quickly dominate dune habitats, in some cases covering over 85% of the dune field and crowding out natives such as sea oats. The plant is also known to produce its own chemical weapons to help outcompete native species. Coverage is so thick in some areas the term “beach kudzu” is now being used. Conservation groups believe that this dense growth will negatively impact sea turtle nesting (both for egg laying adults and hatching young). In 2009 the plant was listed on North Carolina’s Noxious Weed List and there is now a statewide task force to combat this invasive. It was first reported in our area on Pensacola Beach. There are 22 known properties on Pensacola Beach and it could very well be found in other panhandle locations. Just recently, beach vitex was listed with UF/IFAS as “invasive not recommended.” If you suspect you have the plant you may contact your local Extension office for information on how to safely remove it. For more information visit www.beachvitex.org
Click to download a “Wanted” Poster to share with neighbors and friends to lessen impact on our native species.
For more information, contact the author Rick O’Connor, UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County, Sea Grant/Marine Sciences Agent 850-475-5230.
The Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) is organizing a nonnative freshwater fishing tournament for Invasive Species Week.
Begins: 6:00 AM Saturday February 21, 2015
Ends: 12:00 AM Sunday March 1, 2015
OBJECTIVES FOR TOURNAMENT
Document the distribution of freshwater nonnative fish in Florida
Increase awareness of the problem with nonnative freshwater fish
Encourage anglers to target nonnative species
RULES FOR TOURNAMENT
All anglers must register on EDDMaps – this is easy… visithttp://eddmaps.org/
When recording on EDDMaps all data must complete with exact location (GPS preferred) and include a photo. Photos should have fish flat on a light colored background, in shade if possible, head facing left, and extend the fins as much as possible.
The boundaries for the tournament are all legally fished freshwater bodies of water in Florida
All fish must be caught within compliance with the State of Florida regulations. Visit MyFWC.com/fishing/freshwater/regulationsor visit a local bait and tackle shop for these.
Native species are not eligible
PRIZES FOR TOURNAMENT
Most Unusual Catch – Adult
First Prize – $75 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Second Prize – $50 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Third Prize – $25 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Most Species – Adult
First Prize – $75 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Second Prize – $50 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Third Prize – $25 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Most Unusual Catch – Youth
First Prize – $50 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Second Prize – $25 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Third Prize – $15 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Most Species – Youth
First Prize – $50 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Second Prize – $25 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Third Prize – $15 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
For a list of nonnative targets you can visit EDDMaps.com, MyFWC.com, or contact your local county Extension office. We encourage all participants to take and eat what you catch.
DISCLAIMER
It is expressly understood that participants in the 2015 Nonnative Fish Catch, Click, and Submit enter at their own risk and that Everglades CISMA and all participating organizations, Officers, Event Sponsors, and Committees, and all other persons connected directly or indirectly with the operation of said event, shall be exempt from any liability for liable, slander, loss, damage, negligence, harm, injury, or death suffered by any participant, entrant, vessel, and equipment, companions, and guests, boat captains, mates, or crew members, which may occur in conjunction with the 2015 Nonnative Fish Catch, Click, and Submit.
March 8th: Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum) & Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroide)
Tropical Soda Apple Photo Credit: Jeffrey Mullahey, UF, Bugwood.org
Tropical Soda Apple:Florida ranchers know Tropical Soda Apple (TSA) as the “Plant from Hell”. The plant is a native of South America. It was first noticed in south Florida, but its seeds survive in the digestive tract of animals and it spread north through the movement of hay and cattle. TSA plants are covered with thorns and can make large sections of pasture nearly useless for livestock. Concerted efforts to lessen the population of TSA since its arrival have reduced the populations in pastures but it persists in sheltered or waste locations. Cattle, birds, deer and feral hogs ingest the mature fruits and spread the plants to loafing and browsing areas that may be inaccessible to mechanical treatment with anything larger than a hoe. According to Dr. Jeff Mullahey, who has been working on TSA since its appearance in south Florida, one plant can produce 40,000-50,000 seeds with seed germination ranging from 75%-100%. The seeds remain viable for at least three years. Be on the lookout for these while engaged in outdoor activities.
In South Florida, populations of the tropical soda apple leaf beetle (Gratiana boliviana) have had some efficacy as a biological control. However in North Florida the efforts to establish populations of these beetles from TSA’s native habitat have been stymied by their inability to overwinter in our colder temperatures. Although you won’t want to pull them up barehanded, isolated plants can be controlled by mechanical means. Herbicides effective on TSA can be found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw097, or contact your local Extension agent.
For more information contact the author Jed Dillard, Livestock & Forages Extension Agent by phone at 850-342-0187.
Alligator Weed photo by Vic Ramey courtesy of UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida
Alligator Weed:This highly invasive aquatic weed, which is a native of South America, was first discovered in Florida in 1894 and is believed to have been transmitted through ballast water. Alligator Weed is usually found as sprawling mats across the surface of water. Although classified aquatic, it can be found along shorelines or dry land.
This plant is a category II invasive and also an aquatic weed. The following information from the Center for Aquatic and Invasive plants, “This species is on the FL DACS Prohibited Aquatic Plant List – 5B-64.011. According to Florida Statute 369.25, No person shall import, transport, cultivate, collect, sell, or possess any noxious aquatic plant listed on the prohibited aquatic plant list established by the department without a permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. See 5B-64.011 for more information.”
There are several biological controls of Alligator Weed, such as the Alligatorweed Flea Beetle. When they attack mats of alligatorweed, the entire mat will begin to turn yellow and eventually turn brown to die. Significant control can be achieved in 3 months once beetles are established. For more information about this biological control and others, please see the following IFAS extension publication, Alligatorweed flea beetle Agasicles hygrophilahttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in831.
Chemical control is also possible with glyphosate, imazapyr and several other products. Always read the label carefully when using any herbicide. For more information please consult Efficacy of Herbicide Active Ingredients Against Aquatic Weeds (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag262).
For more information, contact the author Matt Orwat, Horticulture Extension Agent 850-638-6180.
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