[APWG] Request for help with stiltgrass research

[Stiltgrass research]

Hey folks,

Many of you have helped us out in the past collecting seed or samples of
stiltgrass (*Microstegium vimineum*). Your efforts have helped us study
differences between native and introduced populations and to determine the
identity and ecological effects of pathogens on stiltgrass (see papers at
florylab.com/publications/). Thanks!

This summer we are planning a large-scale survey of stiltgrass populations
throughout the eastern US as part of a new NSF-funded project on patterns
and effects of pathogen accumulation on stiltgrass. Our goal is to
determine the extent and diversity of fungal pathogens infecting stiltgrass
and co-occurring native grasses, and if patterns of pathogen distribution
are related to the age of the invasive populations, habitat type, or
environmental conditions.

So, once again, we could really use your help. We need to locate
populations to sample where we can easily access the property to take
measurements and collect samples, and at least some of our efforts will be
targeted at pathogen infected populations. Our goal is to sample up to 100
populations (separated by at least 10 km) this summer. We will only briefly
visit each population to determine the area of the invasion, take
measurements on environmental conditions, and collect a small amount of
stiltgrass to determine relative biomass and the identity and abundance of
potential fungal pathogens.

We plan to sample throughout the invasive range of stiltgrass in the US
including the Midwest (IL, IN, MO, OH), Northeast (NY, CT, MA, MD, NJ, PA,
etc), Southeast (GA, AL, FL, NC, SC) and in between (WV, TN, KY, VA).

If you can help out locating and accessing invasions, please reply to this
email (stiltgrass at gmail.com) with the following information (should only
take 2 minutes).

1. Name of the property:

2. Ownership (e.g., private, state, federal):

3. State and closest town:

4. Number of invasions on the property:

5. Age of invasions if known (approximate):

6. Habitats where invasions occur (e.g. undisturbed forest understory,
riparian area, roadside, etc.):

7. Estimate of the size of the populations (acres) and vigor or height at
the peak of the growing season last year (we have seen anywhere from 6
inches to 6 ft):

8. Was there any indication that the population was affected by pathogens?  If
so, how would you describe the symptoms?  (Photos of symptomatic stiltgrass
are at: http://www.florylab.com/photos/)

*9. Maybe most important* - your name and contact information (email, cell
phone) and, if different, name and contact information for permission to
access the site:



Please forward this email to others who may also be interested in assisting
with this project!

Apologies for cross-posting.

Thanks!

Luke Flory, Kerry Stricker, and Phil Harmon
University of Florida

Keith Clay
Indiana University
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