Slashing may have potential for controlling Phragmites australis in long-inundated parts of a Ramsar-listed wetland

Abstract

Phragmites or Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is a natural component of many wetlands but can be highly invasive. Phragmites is encroaching into important mudflat habitat areas of the Ramsar-listed Seaford Wetlands (Melbourne, Victoria), which are critical for migratory birds. We assessed the efficacy of slashing as a means of controlling Phragmites by establishing twelve 5 m × 5 m quadrats within mature Phragmites reed beds and slashing half of them. The response of Phragmites to slashing was highly variable and dependent on the elevation (i.e. subsequent flooding) of the slashed quadrats. Phragmites regrowth was minimal in lower-lying quadrats which were wholly inundated for several mon..