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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Ithaca, New York » Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture & Health » Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #324820
Research Project: Evaluation of Biological Control for Invasive Weeds of the Northeastern United States

Location: Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research

Title: Meadow knapweed in the Northeast: Should I know this species?

Author
item MARSCHNER, CAROLINE - Cornell University
item Milbrath, Lindsey
item HUNN, JONATHAN - Cornell University
item Biazzo, Jeromy
item DITOMMASO, ANTONIO - Cornell University

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2015
Publication Date: 1/3/2016
Citation: Marschner, C., Milbrath, L.R., Hunn, J.M., Biazzo, J., Ditommaso, A. 2016. Meadow knapweed in the Northeast: Should I know this species?. Meeting Proceedings. #222.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Meadow knapweed (Centaurea x moncktonii) is increasingly prevalent in New York agricultural lands, including pastures, meadows and waste areas. It is a hybrid of black (C. nigra) and brown (C. jacea) knapweeds that can be similar in appearance to the parental species, and we believe that meadow knapweed may be more prevalent in our region than previously suspected. In New York, its populations appear to be expanding. Very little is known about this hybrid species, including such basic information as its germination characteristics. We are running a series of germination trials to better understand the potential seasonal timing of seedling emergence. Preliminary data indicate that although cold stratification increases the rate of germination, particularly at lower temperatures, it is not necessary for germination to occur. Light increases germinability, but is not absolutely necessary. Germination is most rapid at warmer temperatures (25/15C and 30/20C light/dark treatments). Seeds in the dark treatment at the lowest temperature (15/5C) had minimal germination regardless of stratification. There appear to be interactions between light, temperature and stratification variables. This study will be continued to clarify these interactions, and examine the germination trait variability between populations of this widespread Centaurea hybrid species.