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Abstract Detail


Ecological Section

Ervin, Stefanie [1], Edgin, Bob [2], Coons, Janice [3], Coutant, Nancy [4], Colombo, Robert [5].

Effects of Fertilizer Treatments on the Survival of Silene regia Transplants in Illinois Natural Areas.

Silene regia (Royal Catchfly), is a perennial prairie forb that is listed as endangered in Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin as well as threatened in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana and Ohio. Research conducted on the propagation of this species may assist in developing protocols for recovery and restoration efforts. The purpose of this study is to determine how survival success of Silene regia in Illinois natural areas is affected by: 1) fertilizer treatments during growth of transplants in greenhouses, 2) season when greenhouse plants are transplanted into the field, and 3) soil moisture. Fertilizer treatments consisted of a control with no fertilizer, a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer solution of 1.25gL applied weekly or bi-weekly, and a 14-14-14 Osmocote ® slow release solid fertilizer at 14.6gL soilless mix. Plants were transplanted from greenhouse to study area in both springs and falls of 2010 and 2011. The study area consisted of three sites located in Jasper County, Illinois, at the Prairie Ridge State Natural Area. Three 1m x 1m plots within each of the three sites were randomly assigned to a designated fertilizer treatment, and transplants grown with the appropriate fertilizer treatment were then planted into each plot. Transplants were monitored monthly for survival. Other measured parameters included: leaf numbers at planting, stem elongation, and flower production. Statistical analysis using one way ANOVA showed that fertilizer treatments had no significant effect on monthly survival counts, but did have significant effects on leaf numbers at planting, stem elongation, and flowering. Greenhouse transplants grown with Osmocote slow-release fertilizer have a higher number of: leaves per plant, elongated stems, and flower production compared to all other treatments. Seasonal effects and soil moisture content showed no significant differences in survival of the transplants. Hence, growing transplants with slow-release fertilizer may aid in the survival of plants for restoration and recovery efforts of Silene regia.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - 1029 10th St., Charleston, Il., 61920, U.S.A.
2 - Illinois Nature Preserves Commission , 9940 E. 500th Ave. , Newton , IL, 62448, United States
3 - Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave, CHARLESTON, IL, 61920-3099, USA
4 - Eastern Illinois University, Biological Sciences, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL, 61920, USA
5 - Eastern Illinois University, Biological Sciences, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States

Keywords:
Silene regia
Fertilizer treatments
restoration
endangered species.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 13
Location: Fayette/Hyatt
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 2:15 PM
Number: 13004
Abstract ID:401


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