Efficient removal of Spartina alterniflora with low negative environmental impacts using imazapyr

Invasion by smooth cordgrass ( Spartina alterniflora Loisel) has greatly impacted the intertidal ecosystems of China. Worldwide, chemical control is most widely used method to species, but it not been implemented along Chinese coast due concerns about potential impacts herbicide residues on environment and organisms. Macrobenthos, both natural cultured mudflats, an important seafood resource, so human food safety a particular concern. Here we tested effectiveness imazapyr (an imidazolinone inhibiting synthesis branched-chain amino acids) in controlling S. from August 2020 June 2021 Jiangsu Coast, area severely . We two different concentrations monitored density seedlings flower spikelets, effects use macrobenthos, organisms at times post-application. Ten months after application, had killed all plants within 30 days inhibited reproductive processes germination flowering; there were no significant differences between used. Imazapyr detected for up 14 post-application, very low exponentially decreased with time. No found any macrobenthos. did result reduction macrobenthos density. conclude that effectively removes little collateral damage other environment. However, view relatively small scale our trials great extent many sites China, recommend larger field trails be conducted assess adverse when landscape level.