Rutgers Japanese Stiltgrass Project: Volunteer Science in Action
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Jean Epiphan
County Agent
Rutgers University
Morristown
Abstract
Rutgers Japanese Stiltgrass Project: Volunteer Science in Action
Epiphan, J.N.1, P. Nitzsche1*, M. Elmore2
1Agricultural & Natural Resource Agents, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Morris County, NJ, 07960
2Extension Specialist in Weed Science, Rutgers University, NJ, 08901
*Presenter
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is an invasive weed species that has become problematic in lawns and detrimental to a variety of landscape types across New Jersey. Stiltgrass rapidly grows, seeds and spreads competing with desirable ornamental and native species. Control of stiltgrass requires an integrated approach of cultural and chemical means. Management techniques need to be timed for the most efficient and effective control. Yet, little is known about the temperature and timing required for stiltgrass germination and seed emergence. Rutgers Master Gardeners (RMG) and Rutgers Environmental Steward (RES) volunteers with known populations of Japanese stilgrass were recruited to participate in a project to document germination and seed emergence. In 2023, 142 participants from 14 counties in New Jersey were trained through a webinar on the identification and biology of stiltgrass and the materials and methods of the project. A subset of attendees committed to monitoring their stiltgrass infestation site multiple times per week in spring and late summer. Thirty-six were able to identify stiltgrass and upload images of the seedlings germinating in diverse microclimates and recorded germination date. Twenty-four volunteers recorded seed emergence data and uploaded images. Volunteers who mis-identified stiltgrass were informed to help increase their knowledge and skill in identifying stiltgrass and similar species. This program will be repeated in 2024 and 2025 for data replication. The temporal data of germination and seed emergence collected by the volunteers will be compiled and published to improve Japanese stiltgrass management recommendations. This project demonstrates the impact of facilitating volunteer data collection to inform control strategies of an invasive and detrimental weed species.
Authors: Jean Epiphan, Peter Nitzsche, Matthew Elmore
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Jean Epiphan Agricultural & Natural Resources County Agent , Rutgers University , New Jersey, 07960
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Peter Nitzsche Agricultural & Natural Resources County Agent , Rutgers University , New Jersey, 07960
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Matthew Elmore Extension Specialist in Weed Science, Rutgers University , New Jersey, 08901