MNPhrag Minnesota Non-native Phragmites Early Detection Project Thank you for contributing to MNPhrag! We would not be able to gather the volume of data needed without your investment in this effort. Thank you! All the resources you need to participate are included in this kit: MNPhrag instructions, Phragmites identification guide, Documentation forms, Ziploc bags for stem and leaf samples A self-addressed postage paid return envelope Steps 1-4 in the instructions below will guide you through gathering the data and submitting a sample. Instructions for contributing to the MNPhrag Project Step 1: Start seeing Phragmites! Have you seen Phragmites (common reed) lately? You may have seen Phrag along a roadside, in a stormwater pond or natural wetland, along a lakeshore or on a river bank. It is often found co-occurring with reed canary grass and non-native cattails or native species such as river bulrush and lake sedge. From a distance, it might have looked like the Phragmites in the images on the next page. If you think you have seen Phragmites, or are responsible for managing habitats where it is likely to occur, now is a great time to assess whether populations on your site or on your drive to and from work are native or non-native. After identifying a population of Phragmites, proceed to step 2 to determine if the population is native or non-native using the Phragmites Identification Guide. Disclaimer: All individuals participating in this project are responsible for obtaining permission to safely and legally enter and collect samples from public or private lands as needed. 1
Phragmites as it might be found in various habitats 2
Step 2: Determine Native or Non-native Status Using the Identification Guide Use the MNPhrag Identification Guide to figure out if the population is likely to be non-native or native Phragmites. In the table on page 3 of the reporting forms, mark the characters you used to make your determination of native or non-native. This is optional, but if you have not reported with us previously, it would be very helpful for our records. Diagnostic characters (in order of usefulness) that are used to distinguish native and non-native forms of Phragmites australis: Leaf sheath adherence to stem Stem texture Stem color Ligule height Stem density Stem persistence Height Leaf blade color Inflorescence/seedhead Upper and lower glume length Stem fungal spots Note that many of the morphological characters of Phragmites are variable. Native or non-native status should be assigned based on a match with mulitple listed characters. Step 3: Complete the MNPhrag - Reporting Form While still in the field at the location of the Phragmites, fill out the report on pages 1-2 of the Reporting Forms document. Information in this form will be used to track population locations and assess patterns of invasion of non-native Phragmites in Minnesota. It will also provide a record of native populations as well. If you are highly confident the population is native, fill out the Reporting Form. Scan the form and email it to MNPhrag@umn.edu. There is no need to take any further steps. If you are highly confident that the population is non-native or, if you are uncertain of your identification continue with Steps 4-6. 3
Step 4: Report your Findings in GLEDN/EDDMaps Report suspected populations of non-native Phragmites using the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) app for inclusion in Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMaps). MNPhrag staff will be alerted to the posting. Note that the steps to report an invasive species in GLEDN/EDDMaps may vary depending on your device. 1. If you haven t already done so, install the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) app on your smart phone or tablet. This is best done with a good wi-fi connection. https://apps.bugwood.org/apps/gledn/ 2. At the field site, login to the GLEDN app. 3. Fill in all required fields. 4. In the GLEDN app, take photographs of the Phragmites including both close-up and wide angle shots. Clear photos of leaf sheaths will be especially helpful. See the sample photos below. 5. Make note of the Project ID code assigned to your submission in EDDMaps. You will need this to cross reference the plant sample. (You may need to check this later by logging in to EDDMaps and finding your entry.) 6. Save your entry in the data screen. 7. Return to the main menu to upload your data. Select Upload Queue and follow the prompts. Sample photos for GLEDN submission: 1. Leaf sheaths/stem color close-ups from lower 3-5 ft of stem 2. Overview of stand 3. Shot of leaf blades showing color 4/5. Current year and/or last year s inflorescence 4
Step 5: Collect Samples for Morphological Confirmation Full stem samples collected in Part A below will be used for morphological confirmation of the population. Genetic analysis is the definitive method for distinguishing between native and non-native Phragmites. Samples collected in Part B will be used for genetic analysis. 1. Collect at least 1 full length live stem of Phragmites. Using a pruning shears or knife cut the stems at the ground level. The live sample should be adequate to show as many diagnostic characters as possible, including an inflorescence when present. It is not necessary to send the entire stem, but be sure to send parts of the stem that can be used to confirm diagnostic characters including leaf sheath adherence, stem texture, stem color and glossiness, and ligule height. 2. Optional: Cut a length or section of a dead stem that shows leaf sheath adherence. An inflorescence may be included as well. 3. Fold the live (and dead) stem samples and place them in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Squeeze the air out and zip the bag closed. NOTE: MNPhrag has acquired a permit for the transport and mailing of non-native Phragmites samples for this project, but it is incumbent upon the participants to prevent the dispersal of seeds or root/rhizome fragments during collection, processing, and shipping of non-native Phragmites samples. All samples that may have seeds should be transported in sealed bags at all times. It is not necessary to send roots/rhizomes with your samples. 5
Step 6: Mail the Package Place the following items in the self-addressed mailing envelope: Ziploc bag with morphological sample The MNPhrag Reporting Form Diagnostic Characters Checklist Keep the identification guide for future reference. Return by USPS mail to: Attn: MNPhrag University of Minnesota 135 Skok Hall; 2003 Upper Buford Circle St. Paul, MN 55108 If you have any questions, please contact Julia at MNPhrag@umn.edu or 612-624-0779. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). 6