Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Teter, Christopher Daniel [1].

Another naturalizing exotic tree; populations of Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac) in New York.

Invasive plants species are known to affect plant diversity on multiple scales worldwide. It is often unknown to what scale a new invasive species will affect. Ecological literature states there is a need for immediate research and management when an exotic species has begun to naturalize, especially in a region sharing the same latitude as its native range. These species are often shade tolerant, have rapid growth, survive in poor soils, and propagate easily. These characteristics are what makes the Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata (Blume) H. Hara var. reticulata) an increasingly recommended street tree in the United States. Researchers, while inventorying street trees throughout New York State, have noted dozens of municipalities planting this tree along their roadways. Escaped populations have already been reported in North American states, including: Wyoming, Ontario, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Minnesota.
My graduate thesis work involves the study of naturalizing populations of Syringa reticulata in New York. Currently I am collecting demographic data on hectare study plots located on private land along a tributary of the Hudson River in Columbia and Rensselear Counties. Every hectare plot is divided into a grid of 25 sampling points 20 meters apart. At each site I am collecting point quarter intercept data to determine general forest composition and Tree Lilac density. Tree Lilac DBH and tree height data are recorded to calculate importance values and growth rates. My first plots have shown forests where S. reticulata is the most common, dense, and important tree species. This gives evidence of a negative impact on the riparian forest community. Three additional populations have been verified in Otsego and Essex counties since my thesis work was initiated. These populations are located in the foothills of the ecologically important Adirondack and Catskill Mountains. To complement the demographic study, I am collecting data on seed viability, germination rate, and dispersal ability. Together these studies will give land managers information to better control invasive populations of S. reticulata.

1 - State University of New York at Oneonta, Biology, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta, NY, 13820, USA

Keywords:
invasive
naturalization
exotic
deciduous trees
riparian
New York
demographic.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 9
Location: Salon 17/18/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 9010
Abstract ID:686
Candidate for Awards:None