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Torpedograss

Torpedograss. Panicum repens (L.) Poaceae. Biology. Native to Africa and or Asia Introduced into Florida in late 1800’s as a wetland forage grass Perennial, spreads through stolons and rhizomes Named for sharply pointed or ‘torpedo-like’ growing tips. Background. Economic Uses

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Torpedograss

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  1. Torpedograss Panicum repens (L.) Poaceae

  2. Biology • Native to Africa and or Asia • Introduced into Florida in late 1800’s as a wetland forage grass • Perennial, spreads through stolons and rhizomes • Named for sharply pointed or ‘torpedo-like’ growing tips

  3. Background Economic Uses • Cultivated as wetland forage • Fast growth and high productivity • Readily grazed by cattle

  4. Distribution • Found throughout much of north, central and south Florida • Commonly found along waterways including canals, irrigation/drainage ditches and low, wet areas • Over 7000 acres in Lake Okeechobee

  5. Torpedograss Distribution in Florida

  6. Impacts • Category 1 invasive species (FLEPPC) • Very aggressive spread into undisturbed sites, over 70% of public waters are infested • Strong competitor, forms large floating mats, impeding water flow and navigation and recreation • Displaces native species – flora & fauna • Also a major problem in citrus and turf

  7. Identification

  8. Mature Plant • Perennial grass, roots on shore and will extend several feet out into shallow water • Will grow up thru the water column • Forms dense monoculture along shoreline of lakes and ponds

  9. Leaves • Leaf blades are 2 to 4 inches long, ¼ inch wide, stiff and folded • Bluish green color • Hairy on upper leaf surface

  10. Rhizome • Rhizomes arise from swollen crown tissue (knuckles) • Rhizomes are very extensive, can comprise over 90% of total plant biomass • Sharp, torpedo-like tips

  11. Panicle • Up to 9 inches long, numerous branches • Reported poor seed viability

  12. Management Preventative Cultural Mechanical Biological Chemical

  13. Preventative • Limit planting as a forage • Remove existing plants, including stolons and rhizomes before seeds are produced • Prevent movement of plant material into areas not infested with torpedograss

  14. Cultural • Cattle grazing will often keep in check, but to a limited extent • Programs to educate farmers and ranches about the problems associated with torpedograss and proper identification

  15. Biological • There are no known biological control agents available for torpedograss management (with the exception of grazing) in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

  16. Mechanical • Small infestations can be removed with repeated, aggressive tillage • Limited to non-flooded sites • Burning effective in removing above ground biomass, may enhance chemical control measures

  17. Chemical • Broadcast applications for large areas • Glyphosate at 2 to 4 lbs-ai/A • Imazapyr at 0.5 to 1.0 lbs-ai/A • Spot treatment for smaller areas • Glyphosate – 2 to 3% solution • Imazapyr – 0.5 to 1% solution • Use surfactant at 0.25% • Adhere to irrigation restrictions for imazapyr, may cause off-target damage

  18. Useful Links Floridata Homepage: http://www.floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?state=Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/welcome.html University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Electronic Data Information Source: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/index.html

  19. Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp

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