Field Testing a novel Bioherbicide on Invasive Phragmites in Southeast Michigan (2022)

This dataset represents data collected during field trials testing a novel bioherbicide solution on the invasive wetland plant Phragmites australis in the summer of 2022. The bioherbicide solution composed of naturally derived ingredients (arginine, sucrose, citrus oil, and water) is intended to target microbial communities associated with Phragmites to induce stress and reduce the invasiveness of the the plant. Two sites were used during this experiment: Lyon Oaks County Park (Oakland County, MI) and North Hydro Park (Washtenaw County, MI). To meet the criteria for selection, a site must have had relatively dry soil with no standing water, have two or more large monotypic stands of Phragmites australis, and be easily accessible by vehicle. A series of experimental treatment plots were established at each site, and three different treatments were applied exploring the impacts of application frequency on plant response. Data collected include plant response metrics, soil moisture, and soil pH.