Invasive Grasses

A close up of invasive grass
Two researchers study grass in a field

Our Invasive Grass Research Program

Our lab is interested in determining what functional and life history traits are associated with Guinea grass distribution in South Texas. We are studying how reproductive ecology drives patterns of invasion in South Texas. More broadly we are looking at how climate, geography, and genetics relate to current global distributions and future invasion potential. Understanding these patterns can inform management strategies that aim to protect native plant communities from Guinea grass invasion. We are using this knowledge towards applications in management, and aiding in the search for potential biological control. Brackenridge Field Lab leverages public and private partnerships with local and international partners in order to understand the basic biology and ecology of invasion. Specifically, we are testing the enemy release, and ecological release hypotheses to better understand what makes these two grasses so invasive. 

We are further interested in ecological applications by understanding the ecological mechanisms underlying the success of buffelgrass and Guinea grass. Given their current and historical use as pasture grasses, our research must inform sustainable management strategies by ranchers and potential biological control. 

For example, in one study we examine the effects that grazing treatments of different intensities can have on buffelgrass dominance and determining which patterns of disturbance encourage native plant diversity to recover. This study is being conducted in South Texas chaparral habitat in areas of frequent disturbance by cattle. We are also collaborating with a Kenyan research group at Mpala Research Center led by Dr. Dino Martins to understand buffelgrass' home range ecology and explore prospective biological control approaches. Here, we are experimentally removing natural enemies in buffelgrass’ native range in order to better understand which natural enemies hinder buffelgrass. If we can understand what these biotic and abiotic components are, we may simulate invasion in native habitats and better understand how grasses invade when introduced elsewhere.