The Ecological Relationship Between Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge) Nees and Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) in Wetlands Along the Myakka River in Myakka River State Park
Date of Award
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
McCord, Elzie
Keywords
West Indian Marsh Grass, Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Myakka Bug, Ischnodemus variegatus, Ecology, Wetlands, Myakka River State Park, Sarasota, Flood Plain, Insect Population Study, Arenchyma, Department of Environmental Protection, Marsh
Area of Concentration
Biology
Abstract
Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge) Nees is an exotic, invasive marsh grass native to Central and South America. Hymenachne amplexicauIis invades marshes in Myakka River State Park (MRSP) where it is one of a handful of plants identified as a serious threat to native habitat by local and state agencies. The grass is flood-adapted and thrives in aquatic conditions, spreading by seed and stem/stolon fragments. Spread of H. amplexicaulis is rapid and abundant with no successful control methods identified. Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) is an exotic true bug native to the Neotropics. The first record of I. variegatus in Florida and the continental United States was on H. ampIexicaulis in MRSP, where it was found to cause damage to the marsh grass. Ischnodemus variegatus has spread in the park and recent studies (Overholt, et aI. 2004) have shown tissue feeding by I. variegatus to reduce photosynthesis and plant growth. Population studies conducted from December 2002 to November 2004 show outbreaks of I. variegatus and subsequent deleterious effects on H. amplexicaulis. These studies, in combination with recent literature, indicate possible biocontrol by supplementing naturalized populations of I. variegatus with laboratory-reared I. variegatus in key months. This thesis explores recent literature to develop an understanding of the relationships between I. variegatus and H. amplexicaulis.
Recommended Citation
Zell, Sarah E., "The Ecological Relationship Between Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge) Nees and Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) in Wetlands Along the Myakka River in Myakka River State Park" (2005). Theses & ETDs. 3605.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3605
Rights
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