Synergistic Effect Of Littoraria Irrorata On Cutting-Based Control Of Spartina Alterniflora

Spartina alterniflora Loisel. has rapidly spread in most of Fujian coastal mudflat. It has not only damaged structure and function of the local ecosystem to some extend, but also caused serious damage to the local fishery resources and tourism resources and other economic aspects. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to explore the effective and safe method to control S. alterniflora. Littoraria irrorata Say has strong ability to control S. alterniflora, especially when it grows again after being cut. The author conducted a preliminary survey on the distribution of L. irrorata.in S. alterniflora mudflat of Fujian province in 2011 and field experiments in Erdu Village, Ningde City, Fujian Province in 2012. These field experiments were conducted in order to study joint control of the invasive alien plant, S. alterniflora, by cutting and L. littorea.. The major results are summarized as follows:1 A survey on the distribution and annual dynamics of L. littorea in S. alterniflora mudflat of Fujian provinceL. littorea existed in Fujian Province’s coastal areas of S. alterniflora tida zone with different degree. Ningde and Quanzhou have a high distribution.of L. littorea. The highest population density of L. littorea is 41.6 ind./m2 in Qinyu, Ningde, Fujian. During the year of 2012, the population density of L. littorea had one peak in August in the high tide zone while peaked twice in June and Augest in the low tide zone.2 L. Littorea’s control over regenerating S. alterniflora after being cut in different monthsThis study suggested that synergistic effect of L. irrorata. on cutting-based control of S. alterniflora was over 30%. L. Littorea in normal density achieved the control over the regenerating S. alterniflora after being cut in May within thirty days and over that in June within sixty days. While, it could not be significantly different in controlling S. alterniflora within sixty days over that in July.3 The control of L. Littorea in different density over the regenerating S. alterniflora after being cut.The number of regenerating S. alterniflora plants after being cut in high tide zone in the control of L. Littorea in different density first declined and then increased. The changing extent was very small. While, in the low tide zone, it turned out to decrease. There were some subtle differences among these two kinds of treatment. The control of L. littorea over the regenerating S. alteniflora in August was affected by the L. littorea density:In the high tide zone, the effect was significant difference when the L. littorea density was higher than 75 ind./m2; In the low tide zone, the effect was significant difference when the L. littorea density was higher than 12.5ind./ m2.In conclusion, this research about joint control of the invasive alien plant, S. alternifllora, by cutting and L. littorea has a high promotion value and application prospect in Fujian province.