PHRAGMITES RESEARCH

Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Fund

Phragmites Research:

Phragmites australis is a tall cane-like grass that has been rapidly expanding in the last few decades throughout eastern Canada and the United States. In response to the rapid expansion of Phragmites distribution and abundance in 1999. The concern regarding Phragmites expansion is the reduction in diversity as endemic plant species are replaced by a more cosmopolitan species. As such, the spread of monodominant stands of Phragmites may be threatening the importance of Long Point as an internationally important staging area by reducing the availability of important food resources and habitat for waterfowl. It was therefore deemed critical to document the distribution and rate of spread of Phragmites and to identify which stands are invasive. The ultimate goal of this study is to document the historic and present-day distribution of Phragmites at Long Point and to find economically, ecologically and logistically feasible methods of monitoring it and controlling it.

Aerial photos were taken of Long Point in July of 1999. These photos have been interpreted and field checked and put into a Geographic Information System. This 1999 coverage will be compared with historic photos taken in 1944, 1955, 1985, and 1995 to detect changes in vegetation community size and type and to determine the rate of Phragmites expansion. Historic photos were interpreted by the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Kerri Wilcox amongst a large stand of Phragmites australis at Long Point

Aerial view of dense stands of Phragmites along the south shore of Long Point.

Future Research: - Wildlife Use Studies and experimental control


Phragmites australis is a tall cane-like grass that has been rapidly expanding in the last few decades throughout eastern Canada and the United States. In response to the rapid expansion of Phragmites distribution and abundance in 1999. The concern regarding Phragmites expansion is the reduction in diversity as endemic plant species are replaced by a more cosmopolitan species. As such, the spread of monodominant stands of Phragmites may be threatening the importance of Long Point as an internationally important staging area by reducing the availability of important food resources and habitat for waterfowl. It was therefore deemed critical to document the distribution and rate of spread of Phragmites and to identify which stands are invasive. The ultimate goal of this study is to document the historic and present-day distribution of Phragmites at Long Point and to find economically, ecologically and logistically feasible methods of monitoring it and controlling it. Aerial photos were taken of Long Point in July of 1999. These photos have been interpreted and field checked and put into a Geographic Information System. This 1999 coverage will be compared with historic photos taken in 1944, 1955, 1985, and 1995 to detect changes in vegetation community size and type and to determine the rate of Phragmites expansion. Historic photos were interpreted by the Canadian Wildlife Service.	Kerri Wilcox amongst a large stand of Phragmites australis at Long Point Aerial view of dense stands of Phragmites along the south shore of Long Point.

Few studies have been done in North America or in fresh water ecosystems on the impact of Phragmites on Wildlife. The conclusion that Phragmites stands provide limited benefits for wildlife is based primarily on anecdotal evidence. Before extensive control measures can be implemented. LPWWRF will need to demonstrate through field studies that Phragmites is not used extensively be wildlife.

LPWWRF will begin two field studies in 2001. The 1st will compare the wildlife use of Phragmites with the wetland communities is replacing, as well as between varying sizes of Phragmites stands. The 2nd will compare several potential control measures for Phragmites. (see below)

Possible Control Measures:

1. Burning by itself has been with limited success. It does not reduce growing ability unless root burn occurs. This seldom happens because the rhizomes are covered with soil.

2. Cutting has been used somewhat successfully- if it occurs at the right time of year and seeds are properly disposed of. Although labour intensive - cutting several times in a row during mid summer may eliminate a colony.

3. Grazing is another method that has been used to control Phragmites. Grazing tramples the rhizomes and reduces stand vigor.

4. Rodeo- an agricultural herbicide- has been used very effectively to control Phragmites in the United States. While it is virtually non-toxic to animals, it does however, kill all grasses and broad-leaved plants alike.

5. Biological controls are not yet available. There is hope that a European insect can be introduced to help control Phragmites in North America. It generally takes years to complete the testing necessary to identify an appropriate insect.

6. Clear plastic sheets have been used effectively. The presence of clear plastic heats the soil surface to lethal temperatures and thus acts as a non-chemical control.

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