Reducing invasion by targeting vulnerable life-stages: Effects of fire on survivorship of Lespedeza cunea

Abstract

The ecological impact of invasive species has continued to rise in recent decades despite increased awareness and mitigation efforts. One approach to controlling the impact of invaders may be to target vulnerable life-stages. In this study, Lespedeza cuneata seeds were sown into intact prairie plots that were assigned to different burning times to ascertain the effects of burning on different plant life stages. Preliminary data suggest that late season burns (September) resulted in the lowest survivorship (x¯ = 29%) at the end of the first growing season versus an early season burn (April, x¯ = 88%). Although these data suggest that late-season burning is more effective than early season burning, quantification of over-winter survivorship will be necessary to assess the full impact of these treatments on L. cuneata establishment.