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Arundo donax - Giant reed
View record in Invasive Plant database.
Download Assessment: PDF.
SUMMARY
| Rating | Alert | Impact | Invasiveness | Distribution | Doc. |
| High | N | A | B | A | 3.84 |
Comments: |
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Rating |
Alert |
Scores |
Documentation |
||
1.1 |
1.2 |
1.3 |
1.4 |
2.1 |
2.2 |
2.3 |
2.4 |
2.5 |
2.6 |
2.7 |
3.1 |
3.2 |
A |
A |
B |
D |
B |
A |
U |
B |
B |
A |
C |
A |
A |
IMPACT
1.1 Impact on abiotic ecosystem processes - A
Identify ecosystem processes impacted: Arundo donax forms thick massive stands that increase the risk of wildfire occurrence. The stands change the morphology of the water channel by hindering flow, and increasing sediment deposition (Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach, 2004). Mechanical removal and use of herbicides compromise water conservation efforts, and affect flood control (Boose & Holt, 1999)
Sources of information:
Boose, A.B and Holt, J.S.1998. Environmental effects on asexual reproduction in Arundo donax. Weed Research. 39:117-127.
Everitt, J.H.,Yang, C., Alaniz, M.A., Davis, M.R., Nigling, F.L., and Deloach, C.J. 2004. Canopy spectra of giant reed and associated vegetation. Journal of Range Management. 57
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
1.2 Impact on plant community composition, structure, and interactions -
A
Identify type of impact or alteration:
Stands of Arundo donax form thick dense fibrous root systems that penetrate deep into the soil (Perdue, 1958). They displace native riparian stands of cottonwood, willows, and others due to the thickness of the stands and their root systems (Dudley, 2000; Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach, 2004).
Sources of information:
Dudley, T.L. 2000. Arundo donax. In: Bossard C.C., Randall, J.M. and Hoshovsky M.C. (eds), Invasive Plants of California’s Wildlands, 53–58. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Everitt, J.H.,Yang, C., Alaniz, M.A., Davis, M.R., Nigling, F.L., and Deloach, C.J. 2004. Canopy spectra of giant reed and associated vegetation. Journal of Range Management. 57 (5):561-56.
Perdue, R. E. Jr. 1958. Arundo donax- A source of musical reeds and industrial cellulose. Economic Botany. 12:368-404.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
1.3 Impact on higher trophic levels -
B
Identify type of impact or alteration: Arundo donax does not appear to provide significant food or habitat for native species. In fact, several species including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and the arroyo toad (Bufo californicus) have lost habitat to Arundo. (Bell, 1997; Lawson,Giessow, and Giessow, 2005). A. Donax causes a significant reduction in abundance and diversity of invertebrate arthropod along the riparian zone in central California (Herrera & Dudley, 2003). A. donax creates uniform stands that disturb habitats of many riparian bird species, particularly Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii) (Yong and Finch, 1997).
Sources of information:
Bell, G. 1997. Ecology and management of Arundo donax, and approaches to riparian habitat restoration in Southern California. In Brock, J. H., Wade, M., Pysek, P., and Green, D. (Eds.): Plant Invasions: Studies from North America and Europe. Blackhuys Publishers, Leiden, The Netherlands, pp. 103-113.
Herrera, A.M. and Dudley,T.L. 2003. Reduction of riparian arthropod abundance and diversity as a consequence of giant reed (Arundo donax) invasion. Biological Invasions 5: 167-177.
Lawson, D.M., Giessow,J.A, and Geissow, J.H. 2005. The Santa Margarita River Arundo donax Control Project: Development of Methods and Plant Community Response. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. 195: 229-244
Yong,W., and Finch, D.M. 1999. Population trends of migratory landbirds along the middle Rio Grande. The Southwestern Naturalist 42 (2): 137-147.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
1.4 Impact on genetic integrity -
D
Identify impacts: In the United States, Arundo donax does not reproduce sexually and therefore has little to no effect on genetic integrity of native species (Decruyenaere and Holt, 2004; Cosentino, Copannie, V., D'Agosta, Sazone, and Mantineo, 2006; Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach, 2004; Khudamrongsawat, Tayyar, and Holt, 200). No viable seeds have been found in the United States all reproduction as been asexual through spread of rhizomes and pieces of shoots or roots that sprout at the nodes (Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach, 2004; Ahmad, Liow, Spencer, and Jasieniuk, 2007).
Sources of information:
Ahmad, R. Liow, P.S., Spencer, D.F., and Jasieniuk, M. 2007. Molecular evidence for a single genetic clone of invasive Arundo donax in the United States. Aquatic Botany. 88:113-120.
Cosentino, S.L., Copannie, V., D'Agosta, G.M., Sazone, E., and Mantineo, M. 2005. First results on evaluation of Arundo donax L. clones collected in Southern Italy. Industrial Crops and Products. 23:212-222.
Decruyenaere, J.G. and Holt,J.S. 2004.Seasonality of clonal propagation in giant reed. Weed Science 49:760-767.
Everitt, J.H.,Yang, C., Alaniz, M.A., Davis, M.R., Nigling, F.L., and Deloach, C.J. 2004. Canopy spectra of giant reed and associated vegetation. Journal of Range Management. 57 (5):561-56.
Khudamrongsawat, J., Tayyar, R., and Holt, J.S., 2004. Genetic diversity of giant reed (Aundo donax) in the Santa Ana River, California. Weed Science 52: 395-405.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
IMPACT: A A B D = A
INVASIVENESS
2.1 Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in establishment -
B
Describe role of disturbance: Arundo donax often spreads through natural disturbances such as flooding and deposition which move pieces of rhizomes or stalks containing nodes into new areas where they rapidly sprout (Boose and Holt, 1998). Any disturbance that breaks up the shoots or rhizomes has potential to spread this plant to new areas. Bulldozers, plows and other mechanical breakup of rhizomes and shoots by humans may lead to its spread (Boland, 2006). Pieces of shoot containing a node have been shown to sprout new growth even 123 days after separation from parent plant, while rhizomes sprouted up to 132 days after separation. The nodes have also been shown to sprout after both extreme water logging and burial up to 25 cm deep in depth (Boose and Holt, 1998). Decruyenaere and Holt reported that Arundo donax spread faster and to a greater degree in nitrogen rich wetlands as compared to low nitrogen wetlands in which a winter dormancy period occurred (2004).
Sources of information:
Boland, J.M., 2006. The importance of layering in the rapid spread of Arundo donax (Giant Reed). Madrono. 53(4):301-312.
Boose, A.B. and Holt, J.S.1998. Environmental effects on asexual reproduction in Arundo donax. Weed Research. 39:117-127.
Decruyenaere, J.G., and Holt, J.S., 2004.Seasonality of clonal propagation in giant reed. Weed Science 49:760-767.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
2.2 Local rate of spread with no management -
A
Describe rate of spread: Under favorable conditions, A. donax may grow at rates of 0.3 to 0.7 meters per week (Perdue, 1958). It grows successfully in broad soil preferences ranging from clay, loamy to sandy soils up to depths of 25 cm below ground (Boose and Holt, 1998). Due to its rhizomes being protected below ground, A. donax can resprout when cut or burned. This allows it to take over areas before native vegetation can recuperate (Boland, 2006). Flooding is the major dispersal agent of this species (Dudley, 2000).
Sources of information:
Boland, J.M. 2006. The importance of layering in the rapid spread of Arundo donax (Giant Reed). Madrono. 53(4):301-312.
Boose, A.B. and Holt, J.S. 1998. Environmental effects on asexual reproduction in Arundo donax. Weed Research. 39:117-127.
Dudley, T.L. 2000. Arundo donax. In: Bossard C.C., Randall, J.M. and Hoshovsky M.C. (eds), Invasive Plants of California’s Wildlands, 53–58. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Perdue, R. E. Jr. 1958. Arundo donax- A source of musical reeds and industrial cellulose. Economic Botany. 12:368-404.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
2.3 Recent trend in total area infested within state -
U
Describe trend: Found along riparian zone of the Rio Grande in southwest and west Texas (Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach, 2004).
Sources of information: Everitt, J.H.,Yang, C., Alaniz, M.A., Davis, M.R., Nigling, F.L., and Deloach, C.J.. 2004. Canopy spectra of giant reed and associated vegetation. Journal of Range Management. 57 (5):561-56.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
2.4 Innate reproductive potential -
B
Describe key reproductive characteristics: A.donax does not produce viable seeds in North America; rather it spreads vegetatively (Dudley, 2000; Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach, 2004; Ahmad, Liow, Spencer, and Jasieniuk, 2007). It can spread through fragmentation, rhizomes and layers (a mixture of asexual reproduction and growth) (Boland, 2006; Boose and Holt, 1998; Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach, 2004; Ahmad, Liow, Spencer, and Jasieniuk, 2007). The plant can grow at a rate of 0.3-0.7 meters per week in optimal conditions (Purdue, 1958). Rhizomes can grow in clay, loamy and sandy soils which accounts for the wide range of habitats this species invades (Boose and Holt, 1998).
Sources of information:
Ahmad, R., Liow, P.S., Spencer, D.F., and Jasieniuk, M. 2007. Molecular evidence for a single genetic clone of invasive Arundo donax in the United States. Aquatic Botany. 88:113-120.
Boland, J.M. 2006. The importance of layering in the rapid spread of Arundo donax (Giant Reed). Madrono. 53(4):301-312.
Boose, A.B. and Holt, J.S. 1998. Environmental effects on asexual reproduction in Arundo donax. Weed Research. 39:117-127.
Dudley, T.L. 2000. Arundo donax. In: Bossard C.C., Randall, J.M. and Hoshovsky M.C. (eds), Invasive Plants of California’s Wildlands, 53–58. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Everitt, J.H.,Yang, C., Alaniz, M.A., Davis, M.R., Nigling, F.L., and Deloach, C.J.. 2004. Canopy spectra of giant reed and associated vegetation. Journal of Range Management. 57 (5):561-56.
Perdue, R. E. Jr. 1958. Arundo donax- A source of musical reeds and industrial cellulose. Economic Botany. 12:368-404.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
2.5 Potential for human-caused dispersal -
B
Identify dispersal mechanisms: Human dispersal generally occurs through mechanical breakup and spreading within the site or transportation to new sites (Boland, 2006). Mechanical breakup occurs through tilling, bulldozers and other human disturbances. Fires caused by humans may cause spread within a site as the rhizomes of A. donax sprout quickly after a fire which allows it to rapidly dominate a cleared area and thereby outcompete native species that take longer to recuperate from fires (Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach. 2004). Dispersal by humans also occurs as A. donax is used in many areas for erosion control , stream bank stabilization, fodder, roofing material, and as an ornamental (Dudley, 2000; Perdue, 1958). Following World War I, A. donax was introduced into Texas as a reed supply for musical instruments (Ahmad, Liow, Spencer, and Jasieniuk, 2007).
Sources of information:
Ahmad, R., Liow, P.S., Spencer, D.F., and Jasieniuk, M. 2007. Molecular evidence for a single genetic clone of invasive Arundo donax in the United States. Aquatic Botany. 88:113-120.
Boland, J.M. 2006. The importance of layering in the rapid spread of Arundo donax (Giant Reed). Madrono. 53(4):301-312.
Dudley, T.L. 2000. Arundo donax. In: Bossard C.C., Randall, J.M. and Hoshovsky M.C. (eds), Invasive Plants of California’s Wildlands, 53–58. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Everitt, J.H.,Yang, C., Alaniz, M.A., Davis, M.R., Nigling, F.L., and Deloach, C.J.. 2004. Canopy spectra of giant reed and associated vegetation. Journal of Range Management. 57 (5):561-56.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
2.6 Potential for natural long-distance dispersal -
A
Identify dispersal mechanisms: Dispersal generally occurs through flood event dispersal of fragments and vegetative propagules (Bell, 1997). It can also occur through fire, and human mechanical disturbances (Everitt, Yang, Alaniz, Davis, Nigling and Deloach. 2004; Boland, 2006).
Sources of information:
Bell, G. 1997. Ecology and management of Arundo donax, and approaches to riparian habitat restoration in Southern California. In Brock, J. H., Wade, M., Pysek, P., and Green, D. (eds.): Plant Invasions: Studies from North America and Europe. Blackhuys Publishers, Leiden, The Netherlands, pp. 103-113.
Boland, J.M. 2006. The importance of layering in the rapid spread of Arundo donax (Giant Reed). Madrono. 53(4):301-312.
Everitt, J.H.,Yang, C., Alaniz, M.A., Davis, M.R., Nigling, F.L., and Deloach, C.J. 2004. Canopy spectra of giant reed and associated vegetation. Journal of Range Management. 57 (5):561-56.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
2.7 Other regions invaded -
C
Identify other regions: Arundo donax has invaded all ecoregions of Texas.
Sources of information: USDA PLANTS Database. http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Texas&statefips=48&symbol=ARDO4 Accessed October 25, 2009.
Documentation: Rev. Science Pub
INVASIVENESS: B A U B B A C = B
DISTRIBUTION
3.1 Ecological amplitude -
A
Describe ecological amplitude, identifying date of source information and approximate date of introduction to the state, if known:
Refer to Worksheet B
Sources of information:
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Program (Accessed 9 May 2011: http://texasinvasives.org/observations/search.php?satellite=&sn=ARDO4&cn=).
USDA PLANTS Database (Accessed 9 May 2011: http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Texas&statefips=48&symbol=ARDO4).
Documentation: Other Pub. Mat’l
3.2 Distribution/Peak frequency -
A
Identify type of impact or alteration:
Refer to Worksheet B
Sources of information:
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Program (Accessed 9 May 2011: http://texasinvasives.org/observations/search.php?satellite=&sn=ARDO4&cn=).
USDA PLANTS Database (Accessed 9 May 2011: http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Texas&statefips=48&symbol=ARDO4).
Documentation: Other Pub. Mat’l
IMPACT: A A = A
TEXAS ECOREGIONS
Source: Level III and IV Ecoregions of Texas. Griffith, G.E., Bryce, S.A., Omernik, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Rogers, A.C., Harrison, B., Hatch, S.L., and Bezanson, D., 2004, Ecoregions of Texas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR.
Score: A. means >50% of type occurrences are invaded; B means >20% to 50%; C. means >5% to 20%; D. means present but ≤5%; U. means unknown.
Code |
Level III |
Level IV |
Score |
| ER01 | Arizona/New Mexico Mountains | Chihuahuan Desert Slopes | U |
| Montane Woodlands | |||
| ER02 | Chihuahuan Deserts | Chihuahuan Basins and Playas | B |
| Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands | D | ||
| Low Mountains and Bajadas | C | ||
| Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands | |||
| Stockton Plateau | |||
| ER03 | High Plains | Rolling Sand Plains | |
| Canadian/Cimarron High Plains | |||
| Llano Estacado | |||
| Shinnery Sands | |||
| Arid Llano Estacado | |||
| ER04 | Southwestern Tablelands | Canadian/Cimarron Breaks | |
| Flat Tablelands and Valleys | |||
| Caprock Canyons, Badlands, and Breaks | |||
| Semiarid Canadian Breaks | |||
| ER05 | Central Great Plains | Red Prairie | A |
| Broken Red Plains | |||
| Limestone Plains | |||
| ER06 | Cross Timbers | Eastern Crosstimbers | A |
| Western Crosstimbers | A | ||
| Grand Prairie | A | ||
| Limestone Cut Plain | A | ||
| Carbonate Cross Timbers | A | ||
| ER07 | Edwards Plateau | Edwards Plateau Woodland | A |
| Llano Uplift | A | ||
| Balcones Canyonlands | A | ||
| Semiarid Edwards Plateau | A | ||
| ER08 | Southern Texas Plains | Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains | |
| Semiarid Edwards Bajadas | |||
| Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub | |||
| Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces | |||
| ER09 | Texas Blackland Prairies | Northern Blackland Prairies | A |
| Southern Blackland/Fayette Prairie | |||
| Floodplains and Low Terraces | |||
| ER10 | East Central Texas Plains | Northern Post Oak Savanna | A |
| Southern Post Oak Savanna | A | ||
| San Antonio Prairie | |||
| Northern Prairie Outliers | |||
| Bastrop Lost Pines | |||
| Floodplains and Low Terraces | |||
| ER11 | Western Gulf Coastal Plain | Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies | A |
| Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies | A | ||
| Floodplains and Low Terraces | |||
| Coastal Sand Plain | |||
| Lower Rio Grande Valley | A | ||
| Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain | A | ||
| Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes | |||
| Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes | |||
| Laguna Madre Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes | B | ||
| ER12 | South Central Plains | Tertiary Uplands | A |
| Floodplains and Low Terraces | |||
| Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces | |||
| Southern Tertiary Uplands | A | ||
| Flatwoods | |||
| Red River Bottomland |
EVALUATORS
Evaluation Date: 2009-10-27Evaluator 1
Amanda Turley, Justin Adams, Shiho Yamamoto, Anastasia Jones, Crayle, Chris Lester
University of North Texas
940-369-8889
EESAT 1704 W. Mulberry RM 215 Denton Tx 76203
Evaluator 2
REVIEW
Reviewers:Review Date: 0000-00-00
Comments:
REFERENCES
Distribution (worksheet B) needs to be completed
