Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) impacts on riparian forest structure and function, and improved techniques for its management: 5-year post-treatment evaluation
PARTNERS: USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection (Southern Region), USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, Sandy Creek Nature Center, Georgia State Botanical Garden, University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry
SUMMARY: In 2005, researchers established a replicated series of 5-acre plots to quantify the effects of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) on riparian forest ecosystems and to compare methods for restoring these ecosystems. The objectives of this study are to define the impacts of Chinese privet on riparian forest ecosystem structure, function and condition; investigate and improve techniques for large-scale management of Chinese privet in sensitive riparian areas; and increase public awareness of the damaging effects of Chinese privet on forest ecosystems, and demonstrate control strategies and ecosystem recovery to forestry professionals and the general public.
EFETAC'S ROLE: This project is supported by EFETAC funding.
STATUS: Ongoing
PROGRESS: Researchers are currently reevaluating the plots to examine the effect of privet removal on tree growth response, plant community progression toward a “desired condition”, pollinator community response, and decomposer community response.
LINKS:
USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection (Southern Region)
USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station
Georgia State Botanical Garden
University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry
CONTACT:
- Jim Hanula, Southern Research Station Research Entomologist, jhanula@fs.fed.us or (706) 559-4253
- Scott Horn, Southern Research Station Entomologist, shorn01@fs.fed.us or (706) 559-4249
- Mike Ulyshen, Southern Research Station Entomologist, mulyshen@fs.fed.us or (662) 338-3129
Updated February 2012
