issg Database: Management and Information Links for Dioscorea bulbifera

Dioscorea bulbifera (herb, vine, climber)

Ecology Distribution Management
Info Impact
Info References
and Links Contacts

         Management Information

Management of Dioscorea bulbifera is generally labor intensive, expensive, and requires multiple visits to control sites. Horvitz and Koop (2001) participated in a study which investigated the relationship between native and non-native vine behaviour in the Miami-Dade area. Their intensive control program for D. bulbifera included: pruning native vines for better access to non-natives; cutting non-native vines; hand application of herbicide to non-native vines; hand pulling non-native seedlings/tubers; and positioning and pruning native species to facilitate growth and canopy access. Sites were revisited within 6 months for recutting, reapplication of herbicides, and "hand removal of seedlings or other regenerative organs" (Horvitz and Koop, 2001). Horvitz and Koop (2001) note that "management significantly reduced seedling recruitment by non-native vines." Other researchers cite similar active management techniques for D. bulbifera, whose bulbils/tuber system is notoriously difficult to eradicate. Shultz (1992) notes the importance of disposing removed plant material in a secure location to avoid re-germination.
Preventative measures: D. bulbifera should not be recommended as an ornamental plant. It is classified as a Class A Noxious Weed in Alabama and as a noxious weed in Florida (NRCS, 2007).
Chemical: Morisawa (1999) writes that "RoundUp, a nonselective herbicide, will kill the vines but the tuber will most likely resprout...Garlon 4 applied at a 10% concentration provides good control when applied with the basal application method. Completely encircle the lowest 30-61cm of the stem or trunk with the herbicide and form a band at least 15cm wide. Garlon 4 (10% concentration) and Garlon 3A (50% concentration) provide excellent control when applied to a cut surface." Wound vines with a hatchet and apply herbicide during the growing season (Morisawa, 1999).
Biological: An ongoing study by Sambura and Pemberton (ARS, 2007) seeks to identify natural insect herbivores of D. bulbifera in Nepal. So far the researchers' have identified a possible biological control agent in the Nepalese air potato beetle, Liliocerus spp.

         Location Specific Management Information
Dade County (United States (USA))
Extensive management programs are in place for eradication of Dioscorea bulbifera. Management is labour intensive and centers around manual removal of tubers, stems, and bulbils, followed by hand application of herbicides.
Florida (USA) (United States (USA))
Dioscorea bulbifera is classified as a noxious weed in Florda.

         Management Resources/Links

1. ARS (Agriculture Research Service) 2007. Online database. Dioscorea bulbifera
        Summary: This source provides information on possible biological control agents for D. bulbifera.
Available from: http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?accn_no=407144 [Accessed 16 May 2007]
2. Horvitz, C. and Koop, A., 2001. "Removal of Nonnative Vines and Post-Hurricane Recruitment in Tropical Hardwood Forests of Florida." Biotropica.
        Summary: This article details a exhaustive management scheme for removal of non-native vines in Florida. It encompasses mechanical and chemical control methods.
Available from: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1744-7429.2001.tb00178.x?prevSearch=allfield%3A%28dioscorea+bulbifera%29 [Accessed 16 May 2007]
3. Invasive.org (Invasive and Exotic Species). Online database Dioscorea bulbifera
        Summary: Provides detailed list of impacts of invasive species, including D. bulbifera. Also provides identification clues and a summary of management techniques.
Available from: http://www.invasive.org/library/FLFSNoxWeeds/airpotato.html [Accessed 15 May 2007].
4. ISB (Institute for Systematic Botany). 2007. Online database. Dioscorea bulbifera
        Summary: This website provides a basic physical description and management techniques as well as an exhaustive list of alternate taxonomic and common names.
Available from: http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/synonyms.asp?plantID=1726 [Accessed 16 May 2007]
5. Langeland, K., Undated. "Natural Area Weeds: Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera). UF/IFAS.
        Summary: Detailed account of species physical appearance and habits in Florida habitats. Provides some management information and Florida distribution.
Available from: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG112 [Accessed 15 May 2007]
6. Space, J., Flynn, T. 2000. "Report to the Government of Niue on Invasive Plant Species of Environmental Concern." USDA, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
        Summary: This paper provides management information for Pacific Island locations as well as distribution information.
Available from: http://www.hear.org/alienspeciesinhawaii/articles/pier/pier_niue_report.pdf [Accessed on 16 May 2007].
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The Global Invasive Species Database is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It was developed as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and is supported through partnerships with the National Biological Information Infrastructure, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and the University of Auckland. Conditions of use.