By Karen Alexander
Native Phragmites is an important component of a healthy wetland ecosystem. It grows amongst other macrophytes in marshes and unlike the invasive Phragmites, does not typically develop into dense monocultures or degrade habitat quality.
Across the Great Lakes region, native Phragmites has disappeared from wetlands because of the more competitive invasive Phragmites and there is a concern that the native population is being removed from wetlands due to well-meaning control measures targeting invasive plants.
Fortunately, variation does exist between the native and invasive Phragmites, but even the available diagnostic keys are not leading to clear determinations of native or invasive Phragmites. When confusion remains, a DNA analysis is needed.
In Ontario, an increasing number of land managers are admitting confusion when attempting to identify native or invasive Phragmites in the field. To protect native Phragmites and ensure efficient use of resources to control invasive Phragmites, the Green Shovels Collaborative is offering free access to a DNA Screening Service for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
The DNA Screening method being used for the program is from D. Wendell et al. (2021). This simple screen test can differentiate between native Phragmites and invasive Phragmites. The test will also detect hybridization.
For more information and to enroll in the program, please visit: DNA Screening Program – Green Shovels.