Essay On Pragmites

Studies have been done on the control mechanism of Phragmites. Crowe, Leclerc, Struger, & Brown (2011) did a study on glyphosate-based herbicide application on Phragmites near Georgian Bay beaches. The application of herbicides is not suggested near bodies of water, but this study used herbicide concentration below the Canadian water quality guideline for the protection of aquatic species (Crowe, Leclerc, Struger, & Brown, 2011). This study reduced the size of Phragmites by 90%, although it did not eradicate the invasive species, the reduction in size is a good control measure (Crowe et al., 2011). The herbicides used in this study, Roundup® or Rodeo®, do have toxic effect to aquatic life which is why the herbicides were diluted in the study …show more content…
If Phragmites find their way into an agricultural crop, it will cause economic loss (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011). Property values will drop in areas where monocultures are found (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011). Phragmites have already impacted the recreational value of the beaches in the Georgian Bay area (Crowe et al., 2011). Charismatic native species, such as the 6 freshwater turtle species in Long Point, will see drastic population declines which impacts the communities surrounding Long Point personally (Bolton & Brooks, 2010). This is why the Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada was approved and why Acts, such as the Plant Protection Act, prevent movement of invasive pests between provinces (Government of Canada, 1990). The province and country must have effective ways to control the invasive species at least for the benefit of the economy if not for biodiversity. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources claims it is working towards controlling and management of the plant, but no action have been taken provincially as of yet (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources,