Evaluation
Project Summary
The development of effective and coordinated noxious weed management strategies at the national, regional, and local level depends upon accurate information concerning the extent, distribution, composition, and dynamics of populations of the problem species. This project will therefore develop a GIS/GPS database of the locations and extent of current non-indigenous melaleuca infestations.
Preliminary studies have shown that Florida populations of melaleuca consist of more than one distinct chemical race, and suggest that biological control agent performance could be affected by these differences. Consequently, the chemical races present in infestations also will be identified.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) conducts biannual surveys of melaleuca populations within their administrative boundaries, but surveys in other regions of Florida and elsewhere are lacking. Data will be collected on location, extent, density and composition of melaleuca infestations both within and outside of the administrative boundaries of the SFWMD. This combined database will assist in tailoring management strategies and will provide a baseline against which to assess changes resulting from management efforts.
Objectives:
- To document the extent and location of non-indigenous melaleuca infestations.
- To compile baseline data against which to compare vegetation changes during and after the project.
- To compile historical data on melaleuca distribution and management.
