Ecology and Management of
Invasive Plants Program

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INVITATION

Phragmites workshop

Cornell University, Ithaca New York

October 15-16, 2007

Identification workshop at Montezuma Wetlands Complex October 17th

Introduced Phragmites australis is considered one of the most invasive and ecologically damaging plant species in North America. The continued spread of the introduced haplotype does not only result in ecological and economic problems, it also threatens the continued existence of endemic Phragmites australis americanus haplotypes, particularly in the East.

This two-day workshop is intended to discuss the latest findings on spread, impacts, genetics and control methods (mechanical, chemical and biological). A particular emphasis will be placed on differences between native and introduced genotypes and the need to protect endemic genotypes. A second emphasis will be discussion of the ongoing research to develop biological control. Several insects have been selected and are currently being tested for their host specificity. We will review the current status and potential implications for the protection of endemic genotypes. An optional workshop on Phragmites identification on October 17th will allow participants to see native and introduced genotypes at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex (1 hour north of Ithaca).

The meeting will be hosted by the Ecology and Management of Invasive Plants Program and coordinated by Bernd Blossey. This workshop is intended both for researchers as well as land managers and we look forward to these interactions. We strongly encourage graduate students to attend and present their work. The workshop is limited to about 100 participants and there will no registration charges. If the interest in this workshop exceeds the capacity of our auditorium, we will make an attempt to book a larger conference facility but would then need to charge registration fees to cover costs.

If you are interested to attend the meeting please send an email with Phragmites in the subject line and your contact information to Debbi DeWeese (dwd24@cornell.edu). Please also indicate whether you would like to present a talk and send a title and a one paragraph Abstract (200 words or less). Talks will be approximately 15-20 minutes. We will provide frequent updates and other details to those who register. Please forward this information to others who may be interested to attend.

For programmatic information or additional details please contact Bernd Blossey (bb22@cornell.edu)