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| Leafy branches (pinnae)
of Old World climbing fern are 2 to 5 inches long
with several pairs of leaflets (pinnules). Photo by
Richard Robert |
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| Moth introduced in
2005 to help control Old World Climbing Fern |
Old World climbing fern is a
newcomer to Florida that has spread at an alarming rate since
its introduction to the southern United States. The fern
reproduces by wind-dispersed spores. Spores are produced year
round and a single fertile leaflet can produce more than 28,000
spores with each spore potentially capable of starting a new
population.
Old World climbing fern climbs into
the tree canopy where it competes with canopy trees and
understory vegetation for light. It can completely engulf
pinelands, and swamps, and spread across open wetland marshes.
It can kill mature trees along with their understory vegetation,
preventing regeneration of the native plant community. As time
progresses a thick mat of old fern material accumulates on the
ground that severely alters the habitat. When fire occurs, the
fern carries fire into the tree canopy, causing greater damage
and carrying fire through wet areas, which would otherwise
present a boundary to spread of fire.
Old World climbing fern plants
consist of long fronds that spread along the ground, over
shrubs, or climb by twining around other structures, such as
trees and other vines. Rhizomes (underground stems), and rachis
(main stem of the frond) are dark brown to black and wiry. Leafy
branches off the rachis are 2 to 5 inches long with several
pairs of leaflets. Fertile leaflets (pinnules) are fringed with
tiny lobes of enrolled leaf tissue along the leaf margin, which
cover the reproductive tissues.
Fertile leaflets (pinnules) of Old
World climbing fern are fringed with tiny lobes of enrolled leaf
tissue along the leaf margin, which cover the reproductive
tissues. Photo by Richard Roberts.
Managemen.
The cost of stemming the tide of
this invasive pest in the southern United States since its
introduction is already in the millions. The most common method
of control is spraying the foliage with an herbicide. Treated
populations must be monitored for regrowth and re-treated as
necessary. It is recommended that treated sites be revisited a
minimum of every 6 months following treatment. During site
visits, all regrowth needs to be treated.
Federal law requires that anyone who
applies an herbicide reads the entire label first and follows
the label instructions. Information on applying herbicides
safely can be obtained from the Sarasota County Cooperative
Extension Service.
Integrated management of Old World
climbing fern with prescribed burning, biological controls,
mechanical removal, and herbicides is under active
investigation. In February 2005, a moth (Austromusotima
camptonozale) was released in southeast Florida as the first
biocontrol agent to help in the battle to control Old World
climbing fern. However, it may several years or decades before
the effects of biocontrols are known.
What You Can Do
Citizens who want to help protect Florida's natural areas from
Old World climbing fern should become familiar with how to
identify it, be on the lookout, and teach others about the
problem. If you find new populations of Old World climbing fern
on public property, you should contact the property manager, or
appropriate agency.
If you find Old World climbing fern
on your own property, pull it up by the roots or spray it with
herbicide. Monitor and re-treat if regrowth occurs. Do not
dispose of Old World climbing fern in such a way that will cause
further spread. Thoroughly clean clothing and tools that have
come in contact with the plant.
Past Pest
of the Month
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IPM Procedural Guidelines