MARSH RESTORATION IN THE PRESENCE OF INTENSE HERBIVORY - THE ROLE OF JUSTICIA-LANCEOLATA (CHAPM) SMALL

Research in southern Louisiana over the last decade indicates that lar ge expanses of mudflats are being maintained in an unvegetated state p rimarily by the rodent nutria (Myocastor coypus). At present, there is a dearth of work on managing wetlands in the presence of intense herb ivory. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the potential in wetlands restoration of Justicia lanceolata, a wetland plant that is r esistant to herbivory by nutria. Results from a previous study indicat e that J. lanceolata is effective at trapping sediments. Furthermore, once it is established and islet elevations are built up, J. lanceolat a is readily outcompeted by other species of wetland vegetation. Resul ts from this study indicate that J. lanceolata has several other prope rties that render it amenable for use in marsh restoration in the sout heastern region of the USA: (1) thousands of propagules can be obtaine d from a single J. lanceolata islet without mortality to the adult pla nts; (2) it is resistant to herbivory, perhaps to the extent of being a herbivore repellent; (3) it is resilient with respect to saline stor m surges, particularly if followed by a freshwater flushing event; (4) it is well-adapted to flooded conditions.