Limited Evidence of Native Woody Plant Recovery and Changes in Millipede and Earthworm Communities Following Herbicide Applications on Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
| Authors: | Joseph M. McGee, James T. (JT) Vogt, Bruce A. Snyder |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Southern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44391-025-00030-y |
| Source: | Forest Science |
Abstract
There is little published data available on herbicidal control for invasive Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) or its ecological effects in North American forests. A previous field study exploring herbicide control for Callery pear was completed in 2019, providing an opportunity to (1) quantify reinfestation of Callery pear in the medium-term (3–4 years after treatment) along with changes in the woody plant community, and (2) determine how millipedes (Diplopoda) and earthworms (Clitellata: Oligochaeta) are affected by changes in the woody plant community following herbicide applications on Callery pear. Native woody plant abundance was not statistically greater in treated versus untreated plots and Callery pear was present throughout. These results suggest that the forest understory has not recovered following the initial herbicide applications. However, we found no evidence of any negative effects on millipedes or earthworms. Our study suggests that active management may be needed for forested ecosystems to recover following Callery pear invasion.