Phenology and Resource Allocation Strategies of Diploid Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) in Ohio and New York

Abstract

Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus L.) is an emergent perennial monocot that has invaded aquatic systems along the U.S. - Canadian border. Currently, there are two known cytotypes of flowering rush, diploid and triploid, within the invaded range. Although most studies have focused on the triploid cytotype, little information is known about diploid plants. Therefore, phenology and resource allocation were studied on the diploid cytotype of flowering rush in three study sites (Mentor Marsh, Ohio; Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, New York; and Unity Island, New York) to understand seasonal resource allocation, environmental influences on growth, and to optimize management strategies. Samples were harvested once a month from May to November at each site from 2021 to 2023. Plant metrics were regressed to air temperature, water temperature, and water depth. Aboveground biomass peaked from July-September and comprised 50 to 70% of total biomass. Rhizome biomass peaked from September to November and comprised 40 to 50% of total biomass. Rhizome bulbil densities peaked from September to November at 3,000 to 16,000 rhizome bulbils m^-2. Regression analysis resulted in strong negative relationships between rhizome starch content and air temperature (r²=0.52) and water temperature (r²=46). Other significant, though weak, relationships were found including a positive relationship between aboveground biomass and air temperature (r²=0.17), a negative relationship between rhizome bulbil biomass and air temperature (r²=0.18) and a positive relationship between leaf density and air temperature (r²=0.17). Rhizomes and rhizome bulbils combined stored up to 60% of total starch and present a unique challenge to management as these structures cannot be reached directly with herbicides. Therefore, management should target the aboveground tissue before peak production (July) to reduce internal starch storage and aim to limit regrowth over several years.