The Impact of Environmental Factors on Invasive Vinca major Management in the Sonoran Desert
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
Vinca major is an invasive vine that threatens the native biodiversity of Aravaipa Canyon, Arizona. Herbicide is the primary method for eradication efforts, but there is a need for scientific guidance on how to improve both efficiency and efficacy of application. This work examines the impact of environmental factors at the time of herbicide application, and finds that time of year is the most important factor of successful die‐off, more so than temperature or precipitation. Herbicide application in late winter or early spring is recommended to maximize V. major die‐off while minimizing costs and incidental impact on the environment.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Eric Roy
Graduate Student Mentors
Aaron Mrotek
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Second Student College
Patrick Leahy Honors College
Program/Major
Environmental Sciences
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
The Impact of Environmental Factors on Invasive Vinca major Management in the Sonoran Desert
Vinca major is an invasive vine that threatens the native biodiversity of Aravaipa Canyon, Arizona. Herbicide is the primary method for eradication efforts, but there is a need for scientific guidance on how to improve both efficiency and efficacy of application. This work examines the impact of environmental factors at the time of herbicide application, and finds that time of year is the most important factor of successful die‐off, more so than temperature or precipitation. Herbicide application in late winter or early spring is recommended to maximize V. major die‐off while minimizing costs and incidental impact on the environment.