Progress 08/01/07 to 07/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Basic and applied research experiments were carried out at the University of Maine in research laboratories and in the field and garden sites around the UMaine campus. The PIs taught formal courses and mentored graduate and undergraduate students. Two surveys were conducted, the first addressed the Landscape Industry and Master Gardners and the second was sent to the Nursery Industry members in the state of Maine. Events: A one-day conference was held with Maine nursery industry members to discuss the invasive plant issue in Maine and where the focus of research efforts may be most helpful. An international conference was held at the Univ of CT to develop an interantional collaborative effort to address the import and spread of invasive species world-wide. Services: PI Stack in her extension role routinely answers questions from the public relative to invasive plants and native alternatives. Products: 1) New and/or improved cultivars of native plants are being developed including Cephalanthus occidentalis and Ilex species. 2)Data were collected from a survey of Maine's green industry members and Master Gardeners to assess each group's opinion of invasive plant issues in Maine and a manuscript is in preparation. 3) An increased collaboration with the Univ of CT and establishment of the New England Center for Invasive Plants including a web site (http://www.invasivecenter.uconn.edu/). 4) Collaboration with personnel at Acadia National Park and Ann Gibbs, State Horticulturist, were developed or expanded. 5) A walking map illustrating invasive plant species was prepared for the UMaine campus. 6) Four alternative native plantings gardens were established on the UMaine campus to evaluate the performance of these plants under typical Maine climate conditions. 7)Articles were printed in the Maine Master Gardener (MG) Newsletter and the Small Woodlot Owners of Maine (SWOAM) Newsletter, and emails were sent to Josselyn Botanical Society members, to solicit sightings of Euonymus alatus (burningbush) in Maine. Dissemination: Formal and informal publications were used to disseminate results. Two conferences and two surveys were conducted. Numerous talks and posters were prsented at local and national meetings. Extension bulletins were published. PARTICIPANTS: PIs: Mary Rumpho (Biochemistry), Donglin Zhang (Plant, Soil and Environment) and Lois Berg Stack (Coop. Extension and Plant, Soil and Environment). Youping Sun, PhD candidate in Plant, Soil and Environment; Hildy Ellis, MS student in Plant, Soil and Environment; Vanessa Coats, PhD student in Biochemistry. Prof. Stack spent a sabbatical year studying the coordinated effort in the State of CA to address invasive plant issues by bringing together efforts and expertise of individuals from university, industry, and private and governmental sectors. Partner organizations include Acadia National Park; Ann Gibbs, Maine State Horticulturist; as well as the University of CT, the center for the New England Invasive Plants network. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences for this research is both the scientific community and the public, including the landscape nursery industry, master gardeners, home gardeners, and the general public. We have reached out to all sectors through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, extension bulletins, surveys, workshops and informal and formal education. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
We are using stakeholder feedback, both formal and informal, to assess our efforts in addressing the invasive plant issue in Maine. Reports of invasive sightings by the public are used to monitor the spread of Japanese barberry and burning bush in Maine. We will continue to use written surveys and provide reports of our findings to the public, green industry, governmental officials, etc. New alternative plants are being developed and tested, but it is too early for commercialization at this time or to gauge public acceptance. The original objectives and outcomes resulting include: 1. Continue to add to established trial gardens to evaluate alternative non-invasive plants and super-sterile plants (as they become available) on the University of Maine campus in Orono. Result - Four gardens were native alternative gardens were planted and monitored annually (no super-sterile plants were available for planting yet). The ongoing evaluation shows the ability of these alternative plants to grow and adapt to the environmental conditions in Maine and will provide alternative ornamental plants for gardeners and landscapers in the future. 2. Develop alternative native crops through traditional breeding and selection from native and cultivated plant populations. Result - From a Maine native population of Cephalanthus occidentalis, a plant with red fruits was selected. Ilex breeding lines have reached 27 taxa. As a result, new native alternatives will soon be commercially available. 3. Continue to gather baseline data on Euonymus alatus (winged euonymus) and Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry) throughout the state of Maine and assess its ecological impact. Result - Public sitings of these invasive species have been reported in Maine. This scientific data will be available for basing legislative/regulatory decisions about whether certain species and their cultivars should be prohibited in the Maine wholesale and retail market. 4. Survey Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry) within Wells Reserve and Acadia National Park, begin to analyze why the plant is so invasive using DNA markers and other biological and environmental factors, and formulate a management strategy for the area. Results - Experiments have been initiated to identify symbionts associated with invasive populations of Japanese barberry in Acadia and ultimately compare with findings in non-invasive populations (China or Japan). These findings could impact future management plans. 5. Sponsor a workshop in summer 2008 to teach people how to identify invasive plants in natural areas, and how to collect samples to submit to the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England. Result - This workshop will be held in 2010. 6. Survey owners of garden centers and production nurseries in ME, CT, and VT to determine what invasive plants they sell and their economic value. Result - A survey was sent out to the Maine nursery industry in 2009 and is being analyzed. The results could impact how we proceed in managing the sale and planting of invasive plants in Maine and ultimately New England.
Publications
- Sun, Y. and D. Zhang. 2009. Genetic diversity and taxon delineation of Ilex glabra using AFLP markers. International Symposium on Molecular Markers in Horticulture. Page 49.
- Sun, Y., D. Zhang, and J. Smagula. 2009. Micropropagation of Ilex glabra (L.) A. Gray. HortScience 44(4):1042.
- Sun, Y., D. Zhang, and L. Han. 2009. Cross compatibility of inkberry with meserve holly and common winterberry. HortScience 44(3):545.
- Zhang, D., Y. Sun, L. Stack, and M. Rumpho. 2009. A rapid woody plant breeding system for alternative ornamentals: Ilex glabra (L.) A. Gray (inkberry) as an example. International Symposium for Invasive Plants. Page 54.
- Stack, L.B. and S. Burnett. 2008. Maine growers tackle the energy issue. OFA Bulletin 910 (Sept/Oct 2008):27-28.
- Burnett, S. and L.B. Stack. 2008. Energy tax incentives. The Indiana Flower Grower (2):4-6.
- Stack, L.B. 2008. History of the Rogers Farm display garden. Maine Iris Society Newsletter (Apr 2008):2.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Studies were carried out to begin to assess, document and develop a management plan for the invasive plant Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry) in Wells Reserve and Acadia National Park, Maine. Field research was carried out at these sites, and greenhouse studies and laboratory experiments on the UMaine campus. Four alternative plantings gardens were established and monitored on the University of Maine campus. A draft walking map of 15 (mostly planted) invasive plant species on the University of Maine campus was developed. Methods have been optimized for isolation of AFLP-ready DNA from barberry leaves. Collaborations with Acadia National Park botanists have been established and potential mapping sites identified for genomic and phenotypic analysis. From a Maine native population of Cephalanthus occidentalis, an alternative plant with red fruits was selected which can handle Maine cold temperatures well, and given the temporary name Strawberry Ice. Three graduate students were involved in research activities associated with this project. The PIs participated in a research planning meeting with collaborators of the Univ. of CT. Stakeholder feedback, both formal and informal, is being used to assess our efforts in addressing the invasive plant issue in Maine. Reports of invasive sightings by the public are used to monitor the spread of Japanese barberry and burning bush in Maine. We will continue to use written surveys and provide reports of our findings to the public, green industry, governmental officials, etc. New alternative plants are being developed and tested, but it is too early for commercialization at this time or to gauge public acceptance. PARTICIPANTS: PIs: Profs. Mary Rumpho, Donglin Zhang, and Lois Berg Stack are leading this research project including basic and applied research projects and extension/outreach activities. Graduate students include PhD candidate Youping Sun (Plant, Soil and Environment) and MS students Hildy Ellis (Plant, Soil and Environment) and Vanessa Coats(Botany and Plant Pathology). Collaborations with scientists at the Univ. of CT and Acadia National Park are in place. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the general public through publications mapping invasive species, requesting reportings of sightings, and development of bulletins on invasive species. The nursery industry is also targetted for education on invasive plants and development of alternative species. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: We needed to delay our workshop xto teach people how to identify and report invasive plants to the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England until 2009. Our plans to survey owners of garden centers and production nurseries in ME regarding the financial impact of regulating invasive plants in Maine was not conducted due to limited funding.
Impacts
Preliminary surveys demonstrated that more than one barberry species exists in Wells Reserve and Acadia National Park and their hybrids and clones may increase their degree of invasiveness. Twenty-seven Ilex breeding lines have been developed as an initial approach to developing alternative native plants. Articles were printed in the Maine Master Gardener (MG) Newsletter and the Small Woodlot Owners of Maine (SWOAM) Newsletter, and emails were sent to Josselyn Botanical Society members, to solicit sightings of Euonymus alatus (burningbush) in Maine. Twelve sightings reported as a result of this outreach effort have been visited to develop a GPS map of E. alatus populations throughout the state and monitor the spread on an annual basis.
Publications
- Burnett, S.E., D. Zhang, L.B. Stack and Z. He. 2008. Effects of phosphorus on morphology and foliar nutrient concentrations of hydroponically grown Scaevola aemula R. Br. Whirlwind Blue. HortScience 43(3):902-905.
- Fang, G., D. Zhang, M. Brand, Y. Sun and Z. Li. 2008. Japanese barberry and hybrid cultivars showed various rooting ability from stem cuttings. HortScience 43(4):1179.
- Sun, Y. and D. Zhang. 2008. Deacclimation significantly reduced cold hardiness of 'Densa' and 'Shamrock' inkberry. HortScience 43(4):1273-1274.
- Stack, L.B. 2008. Native plants: a Maine source list 2008. Web-published: http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2502.htm
- Stack, L.B. and L.P. Perry. 2007. The 2008 north country garden calendar. Commercial horticulture manuals, guides and reports.
- Stack, L.B., ed. 2008. New England greenhouse floriculture guide: a management guide for insects, diseases, weeds and growth regulators 2009-2010.
- Stack, L.B. 2008. New annuals for your garden: five top performers from the 2007 field trials. Maine Master Gardener News (Feb 2008):1-3.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1. Four alternative plantings gardens were established at the University of Maine. Data were recorded at each site to monitor plant growth and performance since the summer of 2006 planting date. Dead plants were replaced. 2. A walking map of 15 invasive plant species is being developed as a paper brochure for campus visitors and an electronic version will be made available on the UMaine Campus Landscape Committee's website. A second map, of escaped invasive plants on the UMaine campus is being developed to provide GPS data that will be used in future monitoring. Final printing of the GPS-guided walking maps in brochure format is awaiting the Governor of Maine's directive for an appointed committee to develop a list of plants most likely invasive and problematic in Maine. 3. Articles were printed in the Maine Master Gardener (MG) Newsletter and the Small Woodlot Owners of Maine (SWOAM) Newsletter, and emails were sent to Josselyn Botanical Society members, to solicit
sightings of Euonymus alatus (burningbush) in Maine. Twelve sightings reported as a result of this outreach effort have been visited to develop a GPS map of E. alatus populations throughout the state and monitor the spread on an annual basis. 4. All three sites (University of Maine, Laudholm Farm in Wells, and Monhegan Island) have been mapped for Japanese Barberry. We plan to analyze DNA from barberry plants growing throughout Laudholm Farm to determine the source plants and the mechanism of invasive spread in this area. We are also isolating DNA from 38 cultivars of barberry to look for genetic similarity/diversity among the cultivars. This information will be correlated with their invasiveness and potential for development as alternative plantings to the invasive Japanese barberry cultivars currently planted. 5. Two surveys were conducted in fall 2006 to assess green industry members' and Master Gardeners' attitudes about invasive plants in Maine, where invasive terrestrial plants
are not regulated. The results of these surveys were presented at a workshop held in December 2006, in Portland, ME, and also at the annual meeting of the American Soc. of Horticultural Sciences in the summer of 2007.
PARTICIPANTS: Rumpho, M.E., Principal Investigator, Research on alternative garden plantings, barberry mapping and public outreach. Zhang, D., Principal Investigator, Research on alternative garden plantings, barberry mapping and public outreach. Berg-Stack, L.B., Principal Investigator, Research on alternative garden plantings, barberry mapping, master gardener/green industry surveys and analysis, and public outreach. D'Appollonio, J., Research Technician, Mapped invasive plants on campus and barberry and burning bush throughout the state. Participated in other applied research activities. Imbeau, C., Undergraduate Honors student. Analyzed survey data for Honors' thesis. Collaborating Universities: University of CT and University of VT through the establishment of the New England Invasive Plant Center (http://www.invasivecenter.uconn.edu/)
TARGET AUDIENCES: Green Industry Members, Master Gardeners, Legislators/Government employees - workshop held in Dec. 2006 in Portland, ME. Faculty, staff and students interested in Horticultural Science - Survey results prsented at the annual meeting of the American Soc. of Horticultural Sciences in the summer of 2007. University of Maine faculty, students and staff and general public - planting and labeling of alternatives to invasive plants on UMaine campus in 4 sites; preparation of walking map of invasive plants on campus. General public - articles published in popular newsletters to report sightings of invasive plants around the state of Maine.
Impacts
Our December 2006 workshop raised awareness of the invasive plant issue among industry members, and educated them about their colleagues' and their customers' attitudes concerning invasive plants in constructed landscapes and natural areas. In the workshop's small group discussions, attendees discussed the issue further, and developed several creative strategies and projects that they could work on to address the problem of invasive plants in Maine. This forum allowed industry members the opportunity to voice their concerns to their colleagues, and gain insight from their colleagues' perspectives. Of the approximately 120 attendees, 37 indicated that they want to get actively involved in statewide projects that address the invasive plant issue. Two of the workshop attendees currently serve as members of the legislatively mandated committee that will develop a list of invasive plants in Maine; this committee will complete its work by February 2008. In response to the
two articles printed in the SWOAM and MG newsletters, 12 people contacted us with information about naturalized burningbush populations around the state. These people were visited by Jennifer D'Appollonio, summer project worker, who visited and mapped the populations, giving us a more complete idea of the distribution of this invasive plant throughout Maine.
Publications
- Stack LB, D Zhang and ME Rumpho 2007 Attitudes of green industry members and master gardeners concerning invasive plants. HortScience 42(4):966-967
- D'Appollonio J, LB Stack, M Rumpho and D Zhang 2006 Is burningbush invading your woodlot? SWOAM News. Vol 31 No 8, pp 10-11
- D'Appollonio J, LB Stack, M Rumpho and D Zhang 2006 A volunteer opportunity: help us determine if burningbush is invasive in Maine. Maine Master Gardener News. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension pub.
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