Ecology

Data on Applied Ecology Described by Researchers at University of New England

  2012 MAY 18 - (VerticalNews.com) -- According to the authors of a study from Armidale, Australia, "1. Eradication is often the preferred strategy in the management of new weed invasions, but recent research has shown that the circumstances under which eradication can be achieved are highly constrained."

  "Containment is a component of an eradication strategy and also a management objective in its own right. Just as for eradication, containment of a weed invasion should be attempted only if it is considered feasible. However, very little guidance exists for the assessment of containment feasibility for weeds. 2. Numerous factors have been proposed as influencing feasibility of containment, but those that relate to the potential for management of dispersal pathways and timely detection of new foci of infestation appear to be critical. Theory suggests that the rate of spread is largely driven by long-distance dispersal (LDD). However, LDD is generally unpredictable and often occurs for species that do not appear to be adapted for it. Furthermore, many (if not most) LDD events fail to give rise to new infestations. 3. As the probability of colonisation is related to the numbers of propagules immigrating ('propagule pressure') at a point in the landscape, dispersal pathways that move relatively large numbers of propagules simultaneously and/or repeatedly should most enhance weed spread. It is these pathways whose potential for management has the greatest bearing upon containment feasibility. A key impediment to containment is undetected spread; this need not occur through LDD and is more likely to occur through dispersal to lesser distances. 4. Synthesis and applications. Feasibility of containment should be viewed in terms of the effort required to reduce weed spread rate, as well as the effectiveness of relevant management actions. Where dispersal vectors are not readily manageable and the probability of detection via structured and/or unstructured surveillance is low, a much greater reliance upon fecundity control will be needed to contain a weed. A combination of empirical and theoretical approaches should be used to develop and refine estimates of containment feasibility," wrote F.D. Panetta and colleagues, University of New England.

  The researchers concluded: "Such estimates will aid decision-making with regard to whether to attempt to reduce weed spread and assist in prioritisation of different weeds for containment."

  Panetta and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Applied Ecology (Beyond fecundity control: which weeds are most containable? Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012;49(2):311-321).

  For more information, contact F.D. Panetta, New England University, Sch Business Econ & Public Policy, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.

  Publisher contact information for the Journal of Applied Ecology is: Wiley-Blackwell, Commerce Place, 350 Main St, Malden 02148, MA, USA.

  Keywords: City:Armidale, Country:Australia, Region:Australia and New Zealand

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Ecology, Environment & Conservation editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2012, VerticalNews Ecology, Environment & Conservation via VerticalNews.com.