Non-target effects of broadleaf herbicide on a native perennial forb: a demographic framework for assessing and minimizing impacts

Abstract

Invasive species are one of the leading threats to biodiversity worldwide. Therefore, chemical herbicides are increasingly used to control invasive plants in natural and semi-natural areas. Little is known about the non-target impacts of these chemicals on native species. We conducted an experiment to test the demographic effects of the herbicide picloram on a native dominant forb, arrowleaf balsamroot Balsamorhiza sagittata. As reported in earlier studies, picloram did not change leaf area of balsamroot in the short term (5 years). However, a single application of picloram dramatically reduced flowering and seed set, and these effects have persisted for at least 4 years after spraying.

Keywords

Balsamorhiza sagittata, Centaurea maculosa, decision analysis, grassland, matrix model, pesticide, picloram, population dynamics, sensitivity analysis, weed control

Citation

Crone, Elizabeth E.; Marler, Marilyn; Pearson, Dean E. 2009. Non-target effects of broadleaf herbicide on a native perennial forb: a demographic framework for assessing and minimizing impacts. Journal of Applied Ecology. 46: 673-682.