Author
 |
Hunt Jr, Earle |
|
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2010 Publication Date: 6/30/2010 Citation: Hunt, E.R. 2010. Remote sensing of invasive leafy spurge using reflectance and imaging spectroscopy. In: Proceedings of the Art, Science and Applications of Reflectance Spectroscopy Symposium, February 23-25, 2010, Boulder, Colorado. 2010 CDROM. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is a noxious invasive weed that infests over 1.2 million hectares of land in North America. One of the fundamental needs in leafy spurge management is cost-effective, large-scale, and long-term monitoring of plant populations. Leafy spurge has distinctive yellow-green flower bracts which are spectrally unique when compared to co-occurring green vegetation; the spectral signature is caused by a reduction of chlorophyll allowing various carotenoids to influence the reflectance spectrum. In 1999, Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data were acquired over Devils Tower National Monument in Northeastern Wyoming. Accuracy of Spectral Angle Mapper classification for flowering leafy spurge was highest using a threshold of 3.5°, which is consistent with both reflectance spectroscopy data and simulations using a canopy radiative transfer model. The minimum detectable cover of flower bracts is about 10%, which is about 35% total cover of leafy spurge, and is ideal for biological control with flea beetles (Aphthona spp.). |
