Seasonal Phenology and Starch Allocation Patterns of Cuban bulrush (Oxycaryum cubense) Growing in Mississippi, USA
Abstract
Cuban bulrush is a non-native aquatic plant from South America and the West Indies, first introduced into the United States in 1878. This study was focused on Cuban bulrush seasonal life history, starch allocation patterns, and environmental factors that affect plant growth. Five 0.4 ha biomass sampling plots were established on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Mississippi. Harvesting of biomass occurred from May 2019 to April 2021. During each monthly sampling event Cuban bulrush height was measured. Environmental monitoring of water temperature, air temperature, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), and pH were also measured monthly. Starch analyses were completed using the amylase/amyloglucosidase method via a commercially available STA-20 starch assay kit. Correlations were completed between Cuban bulrush biomass, starch content, and environmental variables. Total, emergent, and submergent biomass had weak negative correlations with water temperature and incident light. Inflorescence biomass and plant height had weak positive correlations to air temperature. Starch content was not prominent in any tissues of Cuban bulrush. Starch content of total biomass had weak positive correlations with air temperature, water temperature, incident light, and pH. Starch content of emergent biomass had weak positive correlations with incident light and pH, and moderate positive correlations with air and water temperature. Starch content of inflorescence biomass had a weak positive correlation to air temperature. Average starch content remained below 1.5% dry weight of biomass throughout the study period. Some seasonal variation in starch storage was observed but large amounts of starch were not present in tissues throughout the year, suggesting that there are no specialized storage structures for this species. In order to develop potential management strategies, weak points were identified as times of low biomass and starch allocation in the seasonal phenology of Cuban bulrush. Management of Cuban bulrush will likely be successful if herbicides are applied at two points in the growth cycle.
Advisor
Dr. Ryan Wersal
Committee Member
Dr. Christopher Ruhland
Committee Member
Dr. John Madsen
Date of Degree
2022
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Program of Study
Biology
Department
Biological Sciences
College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Recommended Citation
Clarke, M. (2022). Seasonal phenology and starch allocation patterns of Cuban bulrush (Oxycaryum cubense) growing in MIssissippi, USA. [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Rights Statement
Comments
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