Management Information
Preventative measures Currently federal, state, and local government, academic and non-profit organisations are attempting to get Vitex rotundifolia listed as a Federal Noxious Weed which would prohibit the sale and transport of the species in the country unless with a permit (Madsen,et al, 2005). Getting the species listed would also help promote eradication programmes and monitoring of new populations if they arise (Madsen,et al, 2005). Other measures that have been in effect are publications through non-profits, cooperative extensions, and government agencies on identification and how the public can report sightings and locations of populations (Sea Grant NC, 2006). Physical Hand-pulling, digging, and the use of machinery are all options that can be used to remove beach vitex, however due to the fragile nature of the dunes and the risk of erosion these methods should be used with caution (Gresham & Neal, undated; SCNPS, undated). Any mechanical methods to remove the plant should be thorough to make sure that the root ball or any stem fragments are not left behind to reestablish (Sea Grant NC, 2006). Mechanical methods to reduce the seed and stem fragments from spreading are to clip any flowering or fruiting stems and gently remove any long seaward runners (FWS, undated). Any beach vitex plant material should be sealed in plastic bags and taken to a landfill rather than mulched or composted as plant parts can reestablish(FSW, undated). Chemical Several different techniques of herbicide application are being tested on beach vitex. Three different techniques can be used to apply a herbicide to the plant. One method is to cut the aboveground vegetation back to a stump and then apply a glyphosate paint to the exposed cut (Sea Grant NC, 2006; Grisham, undated). The second method is to wound the stem and then apply a herbicide to the wound (Sea Grant NC, 2006). The third method is to apply an oil based herbicide mixture to the stem in a 30-45cm length band at the base of the stem (Sea Grant NC, 2006). Herbicides should be selected carefully and used with caution as well as in appropiate amounts due to the sensitivity of the area and its proximity to the ocean (Sea Grant NC, 2006). Cultural Revegetation with native grass and dune species should be incorporated into any control program to prevent erosion and recolonization (Gresham, undated).  
Location Specific Management InformationNorth Carolina
Management options have been public outreach for monitoring and education on the problem. Small populations have been gently pulled or cut back while larger populations have been cut back and spot sprayed with chemical herbicides. No biological controls have been released for the control of this species. South Carolina
Management options have been public outreach for monitoring and education on the problem. Small populations have been gently pulled or cut back while larger populations have been cut back and spot sprayed with chemical herbicides. No biological controls have been released for the control of this species.
The Carolinas Beach Vitex Task Force have received a grant in 2006, from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to eradicate the beach vitex from at least 50 beachfront locations in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry Counties. The goal of the project is to eradicate beach vitex and re-establish native dune vegetation. For more information please read this press release.
Management Resources/Links
2. Gresham, C.A., & Neal, A., undated, An Evaluation of the Invasive Potential of Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundifolia), The Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC, 29442.
Summary: A technical article that was commonly referenced in other literature on beach vitex. This article had in depth analysis on the impacts of beach vitex on native plant communities and the invasiveness of its growth habit along with other basic ecology and biology.
Available from: http://www.northinlet.sc.edu/resource/vitex_files/aug04/VITEX%20manuscript_%2011-17.pdf [Accessed on 3 April 2007]. 4. Madsen, J.D., Abbott, C., Brown, R., Bruce, L., Byrd, Jr., J., Dibble, E., Ervin, G., Fowler, J., Maddox, V., & Shaw, D., Dec. 2005, Research to Support Integrated Management Systems of Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species, Annual Report Mississippi State University GeoResources Institute in collaboration with United States Geological Survey.
Summary: An annual report on invasive species with an article on establishing beach vitex as a federally listed noxious weed as well as brief ecology, dispersal and impact of the plant on the environment.
Available from: http://www.ece.msstate.edu/~fowler/Publications/Papers/MAB2006.pdf [Accessed on 3 April 2007]. Results Page: 1
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