Can Native Plants Help Combat Invasives? A study on the effects of Allelochemicals from Two Native plant species on the Germination and Development of Two Invasive Plant Species in New York State

Can allelopathic chemicals naturally produced by native plants help control invasive species without herbicides? In this talk, I’ll share results from a recent two-part research project done by my graduate student, Lori Murphy, exploring this question. In t his study we tested whether the natural chemical defenses of two common native plants—black walnut and giant goldenrod—can slow the growth of the invasive species Japanese stiltgrass and garlic mustard. In the lab, we assessed how these native plants affect seed germination in the two invasive plants. In the field, we measured their impact on several growth and development metrics of the two invasives. Our findings offer insight into whether native plant species could be part of environmentally friendly strategies for managing invasives.

This event will take place at the Clark Sports Center. Please use the form below to sign up.