Project Number: 5325-22000-019-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Sep 02, 2005
End Date: Aug 31, 2010

Objective:
1) Improve our biological understanding and enhance our ability to manage important invasive weeds in western aquatic and riparian ecosystems. 2) Develop integrated vegetation management strategies to restore ecological structure and function to western aquatic and riparian ecosystems. 3) Determine the most ecologically sound and cost effective methods for managing aquatic and riparian weeds using herbicides and/or natural products. 4) Develop rapid response strategies and methods for aquatic plant infestations that pose serious economic and environmental threats.

Approach:
1) A demographic study will determine how temporal and spatial variation in factors affecting Uruguayan water primrose contribute to overall population dynamics and improved management and restoration at Lagun de Santa Rosa. 2) Egeria Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen (CHN) and associated insect communities will be determined monthly at invaded/ non-invaded sites at in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta using presence/absence and hydroacoustical and videographic methods. 3) Eurasian watermilfoil will be sampled (weekly to monthly) in the Truckee and Fall Rivers along streamflow gradients. 4) Effects of simulated herbivory on Giant reed and effects on root growth (abundance, life span) will be quantified from images recorded with a video camera system within the minirhizotrons at weekly intervals. Success of active (planting desirable species) versus passive (recruitment from resident propagules) re-vegetation will be assessed in giant reed managed sites. 5)Effects of native and non-native submersed plants on rhizosphere microflora will be assessed in replicated mesocosms and natural populations. 6) Replicated applications of fluridone, copper will be made in water and with penoxsulam, or acetic acid to canals and canal sediment. 7) Methods to eradicate Curlyleaf pondweed will be evaluated in indoor and outdoor tanks using diquat, endothall, and penoxsulam under short and long-day conditions. Formerly 5325-22000-018-00D (8/05). FY06 program Increase.