Print PageInvasive plant species can cause local extinction, vast decline in native species populations, and reduction in biodiversity through habitat modifications. Current control methods for managing such species commonly involve herbicides that can be toxic to non-target plant species and to wildlife. Less toxic methods can be more expensive to apply and less effective. There is a need for new methods for control of invasive species in ecological restoration that are not herbicide-based but are just as efficient. In the southern part of the United States bush honeysuckle is of great concern because of its ability to easily outcompete native vegetation, dominate the understory, and spread quickly. We tested a method for control of this species through high-intensity directed fire. The flame was from a propane powered torch aimed at the base of the stems for different lengths of time and during two seasons, winter and spring. We tested which season and length of burn results in the greatest plant mortality and least subsequent stump sprouting.
Results/Conclusions
Honeysuckle mortality after treatment was 64% and there was no mortality in the control. The mortality in the control plants was significantly less than the mortality in plants that were burned during either the winter or spring (p<0.01). The mortality from a 10 and 20 seconds of fire exposure was similar (p=0.45), making it sufficient to use the shorter burn time. There was no season effect (p=0.99), indicating that the treatments can be applied and be effective over an extended period every year. There was a positive relationship between the original number of honeysuckle stems and the number of sprouts after treatment (r2=0.49).
