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<DIV>MPWG:</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Has anyone been keeping track of the time frame when some of our problem
invasive plants (like Japanese stiltgrass) germinate in the spring?</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>In spite of overnight lows in the 20's and daytime high temperatures that
have barely reached 50 degrees, a series of snow storms and lots
of rain, the Japanese stiltgrass has started to germinate in central West
Virginia.</DIV>
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<DIV>We had one warm day in the past three weeks, Monday April 4 when it hit 80
degrees. By today, Wednesday April 6, Microstegium germination is
taking place in most sunny locations. So far, most plants are less
than 1/4" tall but the little buggers have roots that go 1.5 inches into
the soil. If we have a severe frost (below 20 degrees) most MV seedlings
will die and be immediately replaced by seed bank plants. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>In some places the ground surface is already becoming an unbroken mat of
stiltgrass seedlings, less than a day after the first seed sprouted</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>From several years of observation it now appears that Japanese stiltgrass
will germinate in most of central West Virginia anytime after April 1 if the
conditions aren't too cold. Unfortunately is isn't generally noticed until
after May 1. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>It now appears that Bipolaris fungus impacts several native plant species
but it also appears to not be as lethal on natives as it is on stiltgrass.
Hopefully, like last year, the first signs of Bipolaris fungus will start to
show up in some plants within the next few weeks. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Sincerely,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Russ Richardson, Certified Forester</DIV>
<DIV>Arnoldsburg, WV 25234</DIV>
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