Thursday, November 18, 2010

Gulf Coastal Plains Forests at Higher Risk of Invasion by Tallowtree

A publication 'Invasion of tallow tree into southern US forests: influencing factors and implications for mitigation' by authors  Jianbang Gan, James H. Miller, Hsiaohsuan Wang and John W. Taylor, Jr.shows that Chinese tallowtree (Triadica sebifera) has emerged as the most pervading, stand-replacing, non-native tree species in forests in the southern United States. Their study shows that tallowtree invasions are most likely to occur on lower elevation flat lands and in areas adjacent to water and roadways. Sites recently harvested or disturbed, younger stands, and private forestlands are also at greater risk of invasion by tallowtree.  Monitoring and control strategies are proposed to assist areas of the south threatened by tallowtree infestations. To view or print the article click here.