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Orange Hawkweed | Hieracium aurantiacum

July 6, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating for

***Hieracium aurantiacum*: Orange hawkweed**

Family : Asteraceae

Pest Rating : B | Proposed Seed Rating: P

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Orange hawkweed had no previous pest rating, it has been reported in Nevada, Siskiyou, and Mono counties. A pest rating proposal is required to determine a permanent rating for this pest.

History & Status:

Background: Orange hawkweed is a fibrous rooted perennial herb in the Aster family (Asteraceae) that grows 10-36 inches tall. It blooms in late spring to early summer and produces bright orange to orange-red ray flowers with 5 to 30 flower heads. Flower heads close every evening and reopen at mid-morning each day prior to seeding. Every flower head can produce between 12 and 50 small brown or black single seeded fruit and has a hairy tuff at one end that allows the seed to be carried by the wind. Flower stems are bare, all plant parts contain a milky juice and leaves are covered with stiff hairs. Orange hawkweed, like all invasive hawkweeds, has a shallow and fibrous root system and underground creeping rhizomes.The plant rosettes also originate from aboveground stolons (resembling those of strawberry). The stolons are capable of producing new plants where the runners contact soil; therefore, patch expansion is accomplished primarily by stolon growth and/or rhizomes. Long distance spread is mostly by wind and water borne seed or by seeds carried in and on wildlife and livestock^2,3.

The scientific name Hieracium is of Greek origin and means ‘hawk’. Hawkweed refers to the fact that many species of this genus grow at high altitudes that are only accessible by hawks. It spread rapidly in North America after its introduction as an ornamental and/or as a contamination of pasture seeds from its native range in Europe¹.

Worldwide Distribution: Orange hawkweed is native to Europe it grows; in subalpine areas resulting in a disjunct distribution¹. It has spread to most of Europe and in southern Russia. Due to its use as a garden ornamental and rock garden plant, it was introduced into exotic locations including New Zealand, Tasmania, Japan, Canada, Australia and North America^1,3.

Official Control: Orange hawkweed is listed as a harmful organism in Korea⁵. It is prohibited entry to Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Orange hawkweed is deemed a noxious weed in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia. This makes it unlawful to transport, propagate and sell in these localities³.

California Distribution: Orange hawkweed has been reported from Siskiyou, Nevada and Mono counties.

California Interceptions: One PDR (470P06027609 from Siskiyou County) was reported in the Pest and Damage Record Database by CDFA⁴. There are five vouchers from Siskiyou , Nevada and Mono counties documented between 1967 and 2013. Only the Siskiyou County population seemed adventive.

The risk Hieracium aurantiacum (Orange hawkweed) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Orange hawkweed is well established in Oregon and Washington, and is spreading there. These states have similar habitat to northern California. Therefore, there is a high risk that it will establish in this part of California. It receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California.

Low (1) not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas

Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California

High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California

2) Pest Host Range: Orange hawkweed does not require any one host, but grows wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest.

Low (1) has a very limited host range

Medium (2) has a moderate host range

High (3) has a wide host range

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Orange hawkweed reproduces and spreads through prolific seed production, as well as vegetatively through stolons, and rhizomes. Under ideal conditions, one plant can spread and infest an area two to three feet in diameter in its first year of growth. Seeds can be dispersed by wind, water, or “hitch-hiking” and are often moved in contaminated soil associated with transplanting new plants into gardens and flowerbeds². Seeds are able to germinate immediately after dropping from the plant and can remain viable in the soil for up to seven years³. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the dispersal potential of the pest:.

Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential

Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential

High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential

4) Economic Impact: Orange hawkweed is invasive in natural or lawn environments in high latitude and altitude areas. It can form mats that prevent the growth of forest understory plants. Orange hawkweed monocultures may degrade forest rangeland, reducing the amount of forage available to livestock³. It receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using these criteria.

Economic Impact: D

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: (1)

Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts

Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts

High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts

5) Environmental Impact: Orange hawkweed is an aggressive competitor for space, light, and soil nutrients. It has been reported to be allelopathic, producing phytotoxic chemicals in pollen grains that inhibit seed germination, seedling emergence and regeneration of other plants². Rare taxa that might be affected include species such as Kincaid’s lupine (Lupinus sulphureus ssp. kincaidii),Fender’s Blue Butterfly (Plebejus icarioides ssp. fendri) and Humboldt milk–vetch (Astragalus agnicidus).

It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the following criteria.

Environmental Impact: A,C,D

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs

E. Significantly impacting, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: (3) cultural practices

Low (1) causes none of the above to occur

Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur

High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur

Consequences of Introduction to California for Orange hawkweed:

Rating (Score): Add up the total score and include it here

Low = 5-8 points

Medium = 9-12 points

High = 13-15 points

Total points based on above criteria, which does not take into account the current distribution in California: Medium (12).

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Orange hawkweed has been reported in Mono, Siskiyou and Nevada counties and may be eridicate at this time. It receives a Low (-1) in this category.

Evaluate the known distribution in California. Only official records identified by a taxonomic expert and supported by voucher specimens deposited in natural history collections should be considered. Pest incursions that have been eradicated, are under eradication, or have been delimited with no further detections should not be included:-

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is based on introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information Score: (11)

Uncertainty:

Orange hawkweed has been present in California about 30 years and it is localized in a limited area. It has the potential to spread to more acreage and may be eradicated at this time. It is likely that this plant will come to dominate many new areas and increase its density and distribution.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Conclusions of the harm associated with this pest to California using all of the evidence presented above: Based on the score listed above, Orange hawkweed is a Medium risk. Although it is only medium risk in California, it is possible to keep it out of the State with modest effort. Given this, and its ability to spread widely and displace native plants, a “B” rating is proposed.

References:

Ghislaine Cortat CABI online Orange hawkweed. Accessed 4-25-17. http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/27160
Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Orange hawkweed, Hieracium aurantiacum Accessed 4-25-2017. https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/Weeds/PlantPestRiskAssessmentOrangeHawkweed.pdf
US Forest Services Fact Sheet. Accessed 4-25-2017. https://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants/weeds/orange-hawkweed%20.pdf
Pest and Damage Record Database, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. Accessed 4-25-2017 http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp
USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). Accessed 4-25-2017. https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6695; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

NOTE:

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Pest Rating : B | Proposed Seed Rating: P

Posted by ls

Weeds

Yellow-Flag Iris | Iris pseudacorus L.

April 7, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating for

Yellow-Flag Iris | Iris pseudacorus L.

Family: Iridaceae

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Iris pseudacorus was introduced in California in the early 1950’s and had no previous pest rating. A pest rating proposal is required to determine a permanent rating for this pest.

History & Status:

Background: Iris pseudacorus, commonly called yellow-flag iris, is a rhizomatous beardless wetland iris that is native to Europe, northern Asia, the Middle East and northern Africa. It has naturalized in much of North America, particularly in the eastern U.S. It is at home in wet soils, typically forming large colonies along streams, ponds and marshes².

Iris pseudacorus is a perennial, emergent aquatic plant ranging from 0.5–1.5 m in height. It has bright yellow flowers (3-4” across), with a darker yellow zone and brown or violet veining on each fall. It blooms in late spring to early summer on rigid, upright, branched stalks. Each flower stalk bears 4-12 flowers. Flowers give way to large seed pods⁴. Plant roots have been used in the past for a variety of purposes including medical treatments, dyes, inks, and snuff. Plant seeds have been used as a coffee substitute with no caffeine².

Worldwide Distribution: Iris pseudacorus is native to all the countries of Europe except Iceland; it is also native to the Caucasus Mountains, Western Asia and North Africa. In North America, it has been reported in Canada from Newfoundland to British Columbia. It is present in the majority of the United States, with the exception of a handful of western and mid-western states⁴. Iris pseudacorus has been reported from Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia and all New England states^3,4.

Official Control: Iris pseudacorus is listed as noxious weed in these states: CN, MA, MN, NH, OR and WA ⁷.

California Distribution: Iris pseudacorus is reported from Sacramento, San Diego, Solano, Siskiyou, Merced, San Luis Obispo, Contra Costa, Butte, Los Angeles, Shasta, San Mateo, Monterey, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, Mendocino, Riverside, Orange and Madera counties³.

California Interceptions: Two PDR’s (413865 Siskiyou and 1349823 Contra Costa) were reported in the Pest and Damage Record Database by CDFA⁵. There were 69 vouchers from all over the California submitted since the 1990’s.

The risk Iris pseudacorus (Yellow-flag iris) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Iris pseudacorus could grow on wet soil and it is highly adapted to acidic soil. The overall California climate is perfect fit for its ability to spread aggressively in wetlands. Its widespread distribution demonstrates its ability to occupy wetlands. Therefore, Iris pseudacorus receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Iris pseudacorus do not require any one host, but grow wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Iris pseudacorus propagate via seed and rhizomes. The corky seeds are buoyant, with 95% of them able to float for up to 2 months and germinate along shore edges; they typically do not germinate while immersed in water. The thick, tuberous rhizomes spreads radially to produce large clonal populations of up to several hundred flowering “stems”. Rhizomes can split to produce up to 10 plants per year. These rhizomes are drought tolerant, but during floods, both rhizomes and seeds may be washed downstream⁴. It receives a High (3) in this category

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Iris pseudacorus can impede irrigation and swimming. It may be reduce flow and block irrigation systems and flood control ditches. Its seeds can clog pipes and water control structures. Removal of plant material from these systems may require herbicides or excavation equipment and can be costly⁴.

It can cause gastroenteritis in cattle if ingested, and it contains glycosides that can cause skin irritation in wildlife that come in contact with this plant⁵.

It receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below.

Economic Impact: F, G

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Iris pseudacorus could invade the water systems of California, disrupt natural lake communities and potentially lower biodiversity by dominating lake margins. This vegetative growth can also trap sediment, raise the local elevation of the ecosystem, and alter wetland hydrology. The clonal nature of Iris pseudacorus causes it to form dense stands that could affect populations of sensitive species such as Mason’s lilaeopsis (Lilaeopsis masonii), CA Clapper rail (Rallus obsoletus), Suisun aster (Symphyotrichum lentum) and Delta tula pea (Lathyrus jepsonii), San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila) and water howellia (Howelia aquatilis). Iris pseudacorus receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A B, C

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact: Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

Consequences of Introduction to California for Iris pseudacorus (Yellow-flag iris): High (13)

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Iris pseudacorus is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas. It receives a Medium (-2) in this category.

Score: -2

-Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

-Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

-High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (11)

Uncertainty:

Iris pseudacorus has been in California a long time, but has spread slowly in wetlands. It has the potential to spread to more acreage and it is likely that this plant will come to dominant many new areas and increase its density and distribution.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

A bad weed in wetlands in California. Deserves a “B” rating as it has invaded many areas to which it is adapted and undoubtedly has the ability to spread further. Because of this potential future harm, a “B” rating is justified.

References:

Connick, S. and M. Gerel. Partnering to prevent invasions of plants of horticultural origin. California Invasive Plant Council Symposium 2004. Ventura, CA. Accessed February 10, 2017 http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/plant_profiles/Iris_pseudacorus.php

Missouri Botanical Garden on line. Accessed February 15, 2017 http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c797

Jepson Herbarium. Online UC Berkeley. Accessed February 15, 2017 http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_smasch_county.pl?taxon_id=29301

Morgan, V.H., L. Berent and A. Fusaro. Glansis online. Accessed February 15, 2017. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatlakes/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=1115&Potential=N&Type=0

Pest and Damage Record Database, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). Accessed February 15, 2017. https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

USDA data for State Noxious weeds. Accessed March 1, 2017 https://plants.usda.gov/java/noxComposite?stateRpt=yes

Author:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6695; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Responsible Party:

Dean G. Kelch, Primary Botanist; California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6650; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: R

Posted by ls

Weeds

Kidneyleaf Mud Plantain | Heteranthera reniformis

March 30, 2017 Raj Randhawa

California Pest Rating for

Kidneyleaf mud plantain | Heteranthera reniformis

Liliales: Pontedriaceae

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: P

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Heteranthera reniformis has a current rating of Q. A pest rating proposal is required to designate a permanent rating for this species.

History & Status:

Background: Heteranthera reniformis, commonly known as kidneyleaf mud plantain is native to the fresh water wetlands of eastern North, Central and South America (Arakaki, Derek 2013). It is submerged or floating, annual or facultative perennial plant that grows 15-20 cm tall in fresh water less than 15 cm deep and on damp soil at water’s edge. The stems can grow along the mud under the water, with leaves and stems emerging. Roots occur at nodes along the stems (NSW Weedwise 2014). In North America, its flowering mainly starts in July, but the plant can flower from late May to September and can continue until frost (Csurhes, Steve 2016). This species has been listed as endangered in the states of Illinois and Ohio (USDA Natural Resource Conservation District, 2017).

H. reniformis prefers open, sunny sites with nutrient rich soils. It is commonly found in roadside ditches and in wet soils, on edges of fresh water streams, rivers and ponds, on fresh water tidal mudflats and along powerline corridors (Business Queensland, 2016). This species can grow rapidly to form dense mats when competition is low, but it is a poor competitor with taller sedges and rushes. It will grow well for a few years on the edges of the ponds and marshes before being shaded out. Since its stems can produce roots at each node, any broken segments with more than one node can be washed downstream to infest new areas (Csurhes, Steve 2016).

Worldwide Distribution: Heteranthera reniformis is naturalized in Italy, Spain and Australia. It is also distributed in parts of Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and Paraguay (Pacific Island Ecosystem at Risk, 2009). It has been found growing on the borders of rice fields in northern Italy (Csurhes, Steve 2016).

US Distribution: North Central US: Illinois, Missouri; Northeastern US: Connecticut, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia; South Central US: Texas; Southeastern US: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. (GRIN Taxonomy Database). There are approximately 200 collection sites listed in herbarium records for Heteranthera reniformis. Documented occurrences exist in: New York (22), West Virginia (5), Ohio (1), Illinois (2). It is also reported in Alabama (1), Arkansas (six counties), Georgia (5), Iowa (one county), North Carolina (two, maybe twelve, counties), South Carolina (3) (Nature Serve 2015).

Official Control: Heteranthera reniformis is considered as high risk weed in Hawaii (Arakaki, Derek 2013) and is a weed of special concern in Connecticut (USDA Natural Resource Conservation District, 2017). It is listed as an agricultural weed, spreading in Europe (Csurhes, Steve 2016). This species is also listed as weed in Portugal and Spain (Global Compendium of Weeds 2007).

California Distribution: Heteranthera reniformis was found once in Glenn County at the national wildlife reserve in 2011 (PDR# 1597375) (CDFA Pest and Damage Records Database, 2017).

California Interceptions: Hateranthera reniformis has not been intercepted through regulatory pathways by CDFA.

The risk Hateranthera reniformis, Kidneyleaf mud plant, would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Heteranthera reniformis grows in roadside ditches, on the edges of fresh water streams/rivers and ponds, in fresh water tidal mudflats, sinkholes, along powerline corridors and at an elevation of up to 2600 m in its native range. It has a strong potential to grow in similar areas of California but it would be limited to freshwater wetland and shallow water margins. Favorable conditions for its growth and expansion include recently inundated areas following flooding, beaver dams, rice fields or human activities in the state (Nature Serve 2015). It receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Heteranthera reniformis does not require one particular host but grows wherever ecological conditions are favorable. However, it is a poor competitor with many sedges, rushes and other wetland species and can be easily crowded out of wetlands (Pacific Island Ecosystem at Risk 2009). It receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Heteranthera reniformis reproduces both vegetatively and by seed. Its stem fragments can produce root at each node and produce new plants. These stem fragments can be washed downstream and infest new areas. A single flood event is likely to disperse stem fragments over a considerable distance. Each fruit contain 8-14 winged seeds and these seeds are likely dispersed by winds and water. Seed banks may persist in soil for many years. Plant fragments can also move to new location in mud stuck to animals or vehicles (NSW Weedwise 2014, Csurhes, Steve 2016). It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest:

Score: 3

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Heteranthera reniformis is reported as a weed of flooded rice where yield reduction of up to 70% have been recorded in experimental plots (Csurhes, Steve 2016). In Hawaii, this species has already proved to be a problematic species in Oahu taro fields and may outcompete newly planted taro, resulting in reduced yields (Arakaki, Derek 2013). If reniformis were to introduce and establish in California, it is likely to impact rice growing areas of Sacramento and northern San Joaquin valley counties. Since it can cover shallow water surfaces, it is likely to interfere with water supply to irrigation fed agricultural areas. Use of herbicides to control infestations is likely to increase crop production costs in rice growing areas of California. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Economic Impact: A, B, G

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Heteranthera reniformis is likely to form dense mats and colonize open shallow waters in disturbed wetlands of California. This can make this weed a potential threat to state’s native vegetation and fresh water aquatic habitats. Its preferred habitat of sunny sites, nutrient rich soils and shallow water is present in Northern and Central coast of California; this makes it easy to grow and establish in those areas. It can grow quickly in recently inundated areas, where there is little competition with natives. It can persist and exclude natives in these situations. If it establishes, mechanical removal and need of herbicide applications can trigger additional chemical treatments. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below:

Environmental Impact: A, D

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Heteranthera reniformis, Kidneyleaf mud plant: High (13)**

Add up the total score and include it here:

-Low = 5-8 points

-Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Heteranthera reniformis has been found once growing in natural environment of California and receives a Low (-1) in this category.

Score: -1

-Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

-Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

-High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (12)

Uncertainty:

Although Heteranthera reniformis can grow rapidly in fresh water and on damp soils but it does not grow well in shaded areas and does not compete well with tall sedges and rushes. Early detection and surveys in fairly disturbed habitats, along ditches and margins of ponds and open mudflats in California may confirm the distribution of this species. Similar species such as H.limosa and the non-native H.rotundifolia complicate identification. Therefore it may be more widespread than is currently known.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Heteranthera reniformis is a medium risk weed and has a broad native range, from tropical to sub-tropical areas. This species thrives in various habitats and can become highly invasive, especially when the competition is low. If this species spreads in California, it can quickly dominate disturbed and wetland land habitats. An “A” rating is justified, as eradication is possible with attention to management.

References:

Arakaki, Derek. 2013. Pest Advisory No. 13-0. Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Accessed: 02/15/2017 https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2013/01/Heteranthera-reniformis.pdf

Business Queensland. 2016. Weeds and Diseases. Kidneyleaf mudplantain. Accessed: 02/15/2017 https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/land-management/health-pests-weeds-diseases/weeds-diseases/other/kidneyleaf-mudplantain

Csurhes, Steve. 2016. Invasive plant risk assessment: Kidneyleaf mudplantain. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Biosecurity Queensland. Accessed: 02/15/2017 https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf…/IPA-Kidneyleaf-Risk-Assessment.pdf

Nature Serve. 2015. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Accessed: 02/15/2017 http://explorer.natureserve.org

NSW Weedwise 2014. Department of Primary Industries. Kidney-leaf mud plantain. Accessed: 02/14/2017 http://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/188

Randell, Rod 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. Heteranthera reniformis (Pontederiaceae). Accessed: 02/14/2017 http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/heteranthera_reniformis/

Pacific Island Ecosystem at Risk (PIER) 2009. PIER Species lists: Heteranthera reniformis. Accessed: 02/14/2017 http://www.hear.org/pier/species/heteranthera_reniformis.htm

Pest and Damage Record Database, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, CA Department of Food and Agriculture. Assessed Date: 02/13/2017 https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx

USDA Natural Resource Conservation District. 2017. Plant profile: Heteranthera reniformis Ruiz & Pav. Accessed: 02/13/2017 https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HERE

US National Plant Germplasm System. GRIN Taxonomy Database. Heteranthera reniformis Ruiz and Pav. Accessed: 02/16/2017 https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysearch.asp

Author:

Raj Randhawa, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Responsible Party:

Dean G. Kelch, Primary Botanist; California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 654-0317; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: P

Posted by ls

Weeds

Lily of the Valley Vine | Salpichroa origanifolia

March 23, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating for

Lily of the Valley Vine | Salpichroa origanifolia

Family: Solanaceae

Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Salpichroa origanifolia was introduced in California in the early 1930’s and had no previous pest rating. A pest rating proposal is required to determine a permanent rating for this pest.

History & Status:

Background: Salpichroa origanifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Solanaceae family known by the common names lily of the valley vine, pampas lily-of-the-valley or cock’s-eggs. Salpichroa origanifolia is a weed of urban areas where it grows on home sites and neglected areas, trailing over fences and low bushes³. It is native to South America and is naturalized in Africa, Australasia, Europe, and North America¹.

Salpichroa origanifolia is a fast growing creeping herbaceous plant or woody vine with scrambling or trailing stems produced from a long-lived woody rootstock. It has oval shaped leaves that are hairy, with leaf stalks about the same length as the leaf blades. Flowers are bell-shaped, whitish in color, 6 – 8mm long form at the leaf axils. These flowers generally have a drooping or nodding appearance. Flowering occurs throughout the year, but is most prolific during summer. The fruit is an elongated or egg-shaped berry with a smooth surface. These berries (10-20 mm long and 7-8 mm wide) turn yellow or whitish in color as they mature and each contains several seeds. The seeds are brown to pale yellow in color, flattened, rounded in shape (about 2 mm across), and surrounded in a sticky substance⁶.

Salpichroa origanifolia was sold in CA nurseries in the early 20^th century. Although it has not been common in nurseries for decades, it has shown itself to be particularly resistant after establishment. Some plants are likely adventive, but most collection document plants that were likely planted.

Worldwide Distribution: Salpichroa origanifolia is native to South America, originating from Argentina and Uruguay. It has naturalized overseas in Europe (included UK, Croatia, France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain & Italy), Africa, New Zealand and Australia. In the United States, it is reported in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California^{1, 7}.

Official Control: Salpichroa origanifolia is not declared or considered noxious by any state government authorities⁶. However, in Tasmania it is regarded as a toxic weed and its sale and distribution are illegal¹.

California Distribution: Salpichroa origanifolia is reported from Alameda, San Diego, Solano, San Luis Obispo, Contra Costa, Butte, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Orange, San Benito, San Francisco, Sonoma, Yolo, Marin, Humboldt, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Colusa, Napa and Yuba counties³.

California Interceptions: Two PDR’s (1450405 and 1251122) were reported in the Pest and Damage Record Database by CDFA⁵. There have been155 vouchers from all over California submitted since 1930’s.

The risk Salpichroa origanifolia (Lily of the valley vine) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Salpichroa origanifolia is native to an area with a very similar climate to parts of California. It has the ability to naturalized in urban areas, forest, woodland and riparian vegetation. It is usually limited in coverage however. Therefore, Salpichroa origanifolia receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Salpichroa origanifolia does not require any one host, but grows wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: This species reproduces by seeds and vegetatively from creeping underground stems (i.e. rhizomes) and suckering roots. Root fragments and pieces of underground stems are spread during soil moving activities and in dumped garden waste. It produces about 2000 seeds per plant which are dispersed by soil and plant movement and animals that eat the fruits of this plant like birds, rats, mice and ants⁷.Despite this, it has not spread from the sites of introduction. It receives a Medium (2) in this category

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Salpichroa origanifolia is not known as an agricultural weed, but it could be a problematic weed in home gardening and grazing land in the State. Therefore, it could negatively change the normal cultural practices. It receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below.

Economic Impact: D

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Salpichroa origanifolia is locally highly invasive and smothers neighboring vegetation, killing large shrubs and fruit trees, and making vegetable and flower culture difficult⁴. It produce dense stand that could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes. Its invasive nature create a monoculture that could affect the rare taxa like, Humboldt milk–vetch (Astragalus agnicidus), Abruptbeak sedge (Carex abrupta), showy Indian clover (Trifolium amoenum), and San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila). It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A B, C

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact: Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

Consequences of Introduction to California for Salpichroa origanifolia (Lily of the valley vine): Medium (11)

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Salpichroa origanifolia is scattered but widespread in California and might spread more given enough time. It receives a High (-3) in this category.

Score: -3

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

-Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

-Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Low (8)

Uncertainty:

Salpichroa origanifolia has been known in California a long time. It spread very slowly. This plant could invade many new areas and increase its density and acreage or it may continue to spread slowly the arears where it is establish. There is moderate uncertainty.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Conclusions of the harm(s) associated with this pest to California using all of the evidence presented above: Proposed Rating: based on the score listed above the pest is a medium risk weed with a distribution in at least 24 counties. A “C” rating is recommended, as the plant is widely distributed, but could spread further.

References:

Crop protection Compendium. Search for invasive species. Online Accessed February 21, 2017. http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/116862

Encyclopedia of Life. Online Accessed February 21, 2017. http://eol.org/pages/581082/overview#cite_note-TasGov-2

Jepson Herbarium. Online UC Berkeley. Accessed February 21, 2017 http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_smasch_county.pl?taxon_id=43020

Monash University, Invasive species online.
Accessed February 21, 2017 http://invasivespecies.org.au/traction/permalink/wra2111

Pest and Damage Record Database, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). Accessed February 15, 2017. https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Weed of Australia, Biosecurity Queensland Edition. Accessed February 21, 2017 https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/salpichroa_origanifolia.htm

Author:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Responsible Party:

Dean G. Kelch, Primary Botanist; California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6650; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: R

Posted by ls

Weeds

Shining Cranesbill | Geranium lucidum L.

March 10, 2017 Raj Randhawa

California Pest Rating for

Geranium lucidum L.: Shining cranesbill

Geraniales: Geraniaceae

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Geranium lucidum was first observed in 1998 in wildland behind University of California, Berkeley campus in Alameda County. It has been reported in Humboldt and Alameda counties between 2011 and 2016 (CalFlora). Since 2013, it is regulated as a noxious weed in the states of Oregon and Washington (APHIS Weed Risk Assessment 2013). In California, this species has a temporary rating of Q. Due to its recent finds in the environment, a pest rating proposal is required to assign a permanent rating.

History & Status:

Background: Geranium lucidum is an herbaceous annual plant with stems up to 35 cm long, brittle, fleshy, hairless and red. The leaves are round to kidney-shaped, glossy, and palmately-lobed to about two thirds of their depth. This species is native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa. It is common in Great Britain and Ireland. It has been introduced to North America as a garden plant, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and has become naturalized there. It is often seen in association with the related Geranium robertianum, which is classified as a noxious weed in Washington (Revolvy.com).

Geranium lucidum favors steep dry banks, rocky walls and other fairly barren sites. Alkaline to neutral soils are preferred but it can also grow on moderately acidic soils (First nature). This species is self-compatible, reproduces by seeds, and forms dense carpets of seedlings in invaded habitats (Dannehy, 2011). This plant spread from Oregon to Washington in contaminated nursery plants. Geranium lucidum forms a seed bank that persists for more than a year (APHIS WRA 2013).

Worldwide Distribution: Geranium lucidum is native to Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the temperate Himalaya. In the United States, it was first collected in 1971 from a cow pasture in Oregon. It has naturalized in parts of Oregon and Washington.

Official Control: Geranium lucidum is listed as a class B noxious weed in Washington (Kings County Noxious Weeds)

California Distribution: Geranium lucidum has been observed growing in some areas of Alameda, Del-Norte and Humboldt counties (Cal Flora).

California Interceptions: Geranium lucidum has not been detected through regulatory pathways by CDFA (PDR Database).

The risk Geranium lucidum, the shining geranium, would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: It is estimated that 54 percent of United States is suitable for the establishment of Geranium lucidum based on plant hardiness zones, annual precipitation and Koppen-Geiger climate classes. This species can grow in plant hardiness zones 6-9 and in areas with 10-100 plus inches of annual precipitation. California’s climate is very similar and favorable for its growth and spread (USDA ARS Interactive map). Additionally, it can grow in oak woodlands, dry coniferous and riparian forests, roadsides, pastures and shady areas. (Dennehy et.al 2011). It receives a High (3) in the category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Geranium lucidum does not require any host but grows wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Geranium lucidum is self-compatible and reproduces by seed. Seeds are dispersed by recoiling of the awn (Dennehy, 2011). Seeds can travel in still air up to 20 feet (Salisbury 1961). Seeds have water impermeable seed coat and can remain viable for more than one year (Van Asseche and Vandelook, 2006). Propagules are likely to disperse in yard trash dumped alongside roads and through mud attached to people, domesticated animals and vehicles. Primary long distance dispersal can be on the feet of deer or livestock. This species is spreading from Oregon to Washington in contaminated nursery plants (Dennehy 2011). It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest:

Score: 3

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Geranium lucidum is listed as a quarantine pest in the state of Washington and is prohibited to move it or sell it within the state. Public and private landowners are required to control this plant on their properties. (Kings county noxious weed program). Trade of nursery grown plants could be impacted in California because this species can contaminate nursery stock. Its extreme abundance can have an exclusionary effect because it prohibits growth of other vegetation (Dennehy, 2011). In California, it may reduce the forage value of unimproved pastures that occur on hillside where cultivation is difficult. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below:

Economic Impact: B, C, D

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Geranium lucidum can dominate habitat understories and can eliminate their structural diversity. It also has the ability to displace native species and prevents new growth. This species is considered a major threat to the integrity of oak woodlands in United States. It is a major weed in natural ecosystems. (Dennehy, 2011). Because Geranium lucidum forms extensive stands that outcompete spring wildflowers, it is likely to impact understory threatened and endangered species (ODA, 2013). It could also make habitat restoration for rare species difficult.

It receives a High (3) in this category

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below:

Environmental Impact: A, C, D

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Geranium Lucidum, Shining geranium: High (15)**

Add up the total score and include it here:

-Low = 5-8 points

-Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Geranium lucidum has been found growing in the environment of Alameda, Del-Norte and Humboldt counties of California and receives a Low (-1) in this category.

Score: -1

-Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

-Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

-High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (14)

Uncertainty:

Geranium lucidum is a high risk weed that can establish faster due to natural dispersal, unintentional dispersal by people and through the nursery trade. Once established, it can be impossible to eliminate. Because it is getting difficult to eradicate from heavily infested areas of Oregon and Washington, early detection in California can help it from spreading to new areas.

In spite of notable risks, a small nursery based in Kentfield, Marin County is selling Geranium lucidum seeds for planting in home garden (Geraniaceae.com). It is uncertain if these seeds are sold to grow Geranium lucidum for medicinal purpose.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Geranium Lucidum has been found in the environment of California and would likely have significant economic and environmental impacts if it gets established in the state. An “A”-rating is justified.

References:

CalFlora: Geranium lucidum. Interactive distribution map: Distribution by the county. http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Geranium+lucidum
Dennehy, C., E. R. Alverson, H. E. Anderson, D. R. Clements, R. Gilbert, and T. N. Kaye. 2011. Management Strategies for Invasive Plants in Pacific Northwest Prairies, Savannas, and Oak Woodlands. Northwest Science 85(2):329-351.
First Nature. Geranium lucidum – Shining Geranium http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/geranium-lucidum.php
Kings County, WA 2017. Noxious Weeds: Shining geranium. http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/shiny-geranium.aspx
ODA 2013. Shiny geranium (Geranium lucidum) Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Salem, Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/Weeds/ShinyGeraniumProfile.pdf
Online sale Geranium lucidum plants through a company based in Kentfield, CA http://geraniaceae.com/cgi-bin/listPlants.cgi?major=Geraniums&minor=Annuals
Pest and Damage Record Database, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, CA Department of Food and Agriculture. Assessed Date: 01/12/2016
Revolvy Llc: Geranium lucidum https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Geranium%20lucidum
Salisbury, E. 1961. Weeds and Aliens. Collins, London. 384 pp.
USDA APHIS Risk Assessment: Geranium Lucidum https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/weeds/downloads/wra/Geranium_lucidum_WRA.pdf
USDA ARS Interactive map. http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/phzmweb/interactivemap.aspx
Van Assche, J. A., and F. E. A. Vandelook. 2006. Germination ecology of eleven Species of Geraniaceae and Malvaceae, with special reference to the effects of drying seeds. Soil Seed Science 16:283-290.

Responsible Party:

Raj Randhawa, Senior Environmental Scientist; California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 654-0312; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: R

Posted by ls

Weeds

West Indian woodnettle | Laportea aestuans

February 22, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating for

West Indian Woodnettle | Laportea aestuans

Family: Urticaceae

Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: N/A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Laportea aestuans currently has a Z rating, and was recently found in San Luis Obispo County. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Laportea aestuans is an annual herb belongs to the nettle family growing up to 1 m tall. It has fleshy and slightly woody stem with both stinging and nonstinging hairs. Leaves are alternate and broadly oval with serrated margins; petiole is reddish in color. The tiny flowers are greenish yellow in color and occur in clusters on a 4-10 cm long peduncle². This plant can grow from sea level up to 1300 m altitude. It occurs along roads and in other disturbed locations in forest or woodland areas. It grows in partial shade and sometimes in rock crevices¹.

Laportea aestuans is native to tropical Africa. It is widely distributed throughout the western and eastern hemisphere tropics and subtropics, including Central America, the West Indies, India, Sumatra and Java. In the US, it can be found in California and Florida¹.

Laportea aestuans is considered an agricultural weed because of its invasive characteristics, but it is used as food source and in traditional medicine in Africa. It hosts root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.), a pest of banana plantations which is “A” rated and a quarantine pest in California. It is a known host of African cassava mosaic virus, an important pest of the major African food crop Cassava (Manihot esculenta)^{1, 2}.

Worldwide Distribution: Laportea aestuans is widely distributed in tropical Africa, from Senegal eastward to Eritrea and southward to Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and in Madagascar. It also reported in tropical Asia and tropical America².

Official Control: Laportea aestuans is not declared or considered noxious by any State government authorities⁵.

California Distribution: It was introduced to California and collected as greenhouse weed in San Bernardino and Riverside counties³. It was also growing in the UC Riverside Botanical Garden in 1995.

California Interceptions: Laportea aestuans was intercepted three times between January, 1990 up to December, 2016. One specimen recently was collected in San Luis Obispo county on January 6, 2017 through regulatory pathways (Pest and Damage Report Database, CA Department of Food and Agriculture)⁴.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Laportea aestuanswas collected in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. It may remain a weed of greenhouses. Therefore, Laportea aestuans receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range Laportea aestuans do not require any one host, but grows wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Laportea aestuans reproduces only by seed. Seeds are dispersed by animals, water runoff and by the movement of contaminated agricultural tools. It receives at Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Laportea aestuans had not yet had an impact on agricultural lands and future possible impacts are unknown. It could possibly effect the normal cultural practices by growing in dense stands. It receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below.

Economic Impact: D

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 1

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Laportea aestuans had not spread widely only found in greenhouse situation in California. If it does spread, it might trigger new treatments by land managers. It receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: D

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact: Score: 2

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

Consequences of Introduction to California for Laportea aestuans (West Indian woodnettle): Medium (9)

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Laportea aestuans has been reported only in greenhouses in San Bernardino and Riverside counties³. It receives a Low (-1) in this category.

Score: -1

-Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

-Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

-High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Low (8)

Uncertainty:

Laportea aestuans entered California and appeared in greenhouses habitat. So, there is low uncertainty.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Conclusions of the harm(s) associated with this pest to California using all of the evidence presented above: Proposed Rating: based on the score listed above the pest is a low risk. A “C” rating is recommended.

References:

Brink, M., 2009. Laportea aestuans (L.) Chew. Record from PROTA4U. Brink, M. & Achigan-Dako, E.G. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa), Wageningen, Netherlands. Accessed January 19, 2017 http://www.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?p=Laportea+aestuans

Derek Arakaki and Christopher Lao. 2012. Pest advisory No. 12-02. Dept. of Agriculture Hawaii. Accessed January 19, 2017 https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2013/01/Laportea-aestuans-NPA.pdf

Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals, including the Consortium of California Herbaria. 2016. Berkeley, California. Accessed January 19, 2017 https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?w here-calrecnum=8755

Pest and Damage Record Database, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. Accessed 1-19-2017. http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). Accessed January 19, 2017 https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6695; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: N/A

Posted by ls

Weeds

English Ivy, Irish Ivy & Algerian Ivy | Hedera spp.

February 22, 2017 Dean Kelch

California Pest Rating for

**English Ivy, Irish Ivy & Algerian Ivy | Hedera spp.**

Pest Rating: None

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

This plant is subject to a petition to the Secretary to list English ivy (Hedera helix) as a noxious weed.

History & Status:

True ivies (Hedera spp.) are vining, evergreen plants with dark, glossy, (generally) lobed leaves. When they reach something to climb on, they grow upwards using innumerable adventitious roots that sprout from the stems. After growing upward into sun, the plant changes it growth form, producing unlobed leaves and rigid stems that project from the framework. These fertile stems produce many small green flowers in compound umbels. The fruits are black berries (yellow in H. helix subsp. poetarum) that are generally dispersed by birds, sometimes to a great distance from the mother plant. Although a single ivy plant can carpet a ~0.1 hectare area or take over a tree, it is the bird-dispersed seed that account for most of the continuous spread of the plants.

The various species of ivy are difficult to distinguish and they sometimes hybridize. Even in their home range, widespread cultivation of non-native species or cultivars make identification difficult. The most common species in cultivation on the West Coast are English ivy (H. helix), Irish ivy (H. hibernica) and Algerian ivy (H. algeriensis, synonym H. canariensis). They can be distinguished by the types of hairs on the underside of the leaves, as well as by their chromosome number. Nevertheless, because of confusion between the species, all three will be treated together.

Ivies are popular ground covers in gardens, where they can dominate large areas with a weed resistant mat. Many cultivars have been developed over the years and some gardeners form collections of the various forms. As pot plants, they are often trained over frameworks into topiaries.

Worldwide Distribution: Ivies are widespread throughout Eurasia, northern Africa and the Canary Islands (Hedera algeriana). As adventives, ivies are widespread in forested temperate and warm temperate areas of the world. In the United States, ivies have been found as introductions in all western, all eastern and all southern states.

Official Control: Ivies are listed as official weeds in Oregon and Washington. In California, some State Parks and other land management agencies have instituted ivy control in lands under their jurisdiction.

California Distribution: Aside from frequent usage in gardens, ivies are adventive in much of the state in the understory of forests. Ivies are only lacking in the hotter, drier areas.

California Interceptions: Ivies have been collected over 350 times in California, although many of these collections represent plants persisting from cultivation.

The risk ivies would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California.

Risk is High (3) as the plant is naturalized in many localities in CA. It prefers the north where there are extensive forests and higher rainfall, but ivies have proved themselves capable of spreading under favorable conditions (e.g., along rivers and creeks) in many areas of California. In Washington, Irish ivy is more invasive than English ivy and much more invasive than Algerian ivy. However, this relationship may differ in other parts of the West Coast. English ivy may be more invasive in California.

Score: 3

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Evaluate the host range of the pest.

Risk is High (3) as weeds do not require any one host, but grow wherever ecological conditions are favorable.

Score: 3

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest.

Risk is Medium (2). The plants produce large vines that can dominate significant areas. Mature plants can form thousands of bird-dispersed seeds per year.

Score: 2

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Evaluate the likely economic impacts of the pest to California using the criteria below.

Risk is Medium (2) as the plants can lower timber crop value by interfering with tree seedling establishment, damage adult trees by overgrowing them and poison livestock if grazed extensively.

Economic Impact Score: 2

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Risk is High (3) as the plant can dominate forest understories and forest margins, excluding native plants and lowering biodiversity, and can exclude cultural plants from a landscape. They can also affect threatened or endangered species by overgrowing their food plants, e.g., covering rocky slopes supporting the host plant of the San Bruno elfin butterfly (Callophrys mossii bayensis).

Environmental Impact. Score: 3

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

Consequences of Introduction to California for true ivies:

Add up the total score and include it here. High (13)

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Evaluate the known distribution in California. Only official records identified by a taxonomic expert and supported by voucher specimens deposited in natural history collections should be considered. Pest incursions that have been eradicated, are under eradication, or have been delimited with no further detections should not be included. (-3)

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: (10)

Uncertainty:

The dry climate has limited ivies’ spread in CA. However, they are still spreading in shady forest and riparian habitats, as they are in OR & WA.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

These are very bad forest weeds. The magnitude of their planted and escaped populations preclude regional control and ensure their continued widespread distribution. Currently, classifying true ivies as noxious weeds would not significantly impact its current or future distribution, as they would continue to spread despite regulation. Many birds feed on ivy berries and can travel long distances from existing residential and naturalized sources.

Similar invasive and widespread plants have been given a C rating. Only a small number of noxious weeds are C rated weeds; However, the California Food and Agriculture Code section 5004 states that “In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of protecting silviculture or important native plant species, the director shall not make that designation if the designation will be detrimental to agriculture.” As ivies are largely weeds of forest areas and are mainstays of the nursery agricultural sector, they would fall under this stricture.

Classifying Hedera spp. as noxious weeds would harm agriculture by preventing the sale of popular nursery plants. At this point in their invasion curve, newly planted ivies represent a very small contribution to the existing populations. Any regulation of this plant would have little or no consequence in limiting its invasiveness or reducing the costs of ivy management. Therefore, given the economic and horticultural importance, no rating is recommended for English ivy, Irish ivy and Algerian ivy at this time.

References:

Ackerfield J. & J. Wen. 2002. A morpholometric analysis of Hedera L. and its taxonomic implications. Adansonia 24:197–212.

Aizpuru I., C. Aseguinolaza, P. M. Uribe-Echebarría, P. Urrutia, e I. Zorrakín. 2003. Claves ilustradas de la flora del País Vasco y Territorios Limítrofes. Eusko Jaurlarizaren. Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, D. J. Keil, R. Patterson, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken, editors. 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.xw

Bramwell, D & Z. Bramwell. 1994. Flores Silvestres de las Islas Canarias. Editorial Rueda. Madrid, Spain.

Consortium of California Herbaria (ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/).

King County: English Ivy, Hedera helix. Accessed 2/15/2017. http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/english-ivy.aspx

Midori M. C., S. H. Reichard, & C. W. Hamilton. 2006. Prevalence of different horticultural taxa of ivy (Hedera spp., Araliaceae) in invading populations. Biol. Invasions 8:149-157.

USDA Plants; Hedera helix. Accessed 2/15/2017: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HEHE

Vargas P., H. A. McAllister, C. Morton, S. L. Jury & M. J. Wilkinson. 1999. Polyploid speciation in Hedera (Araliaceae): phylogenetic and biogeographic insights based on chromosome counts and ITS sequences. Plant Systematics and Evolution 219:165–179.

Webb, D. A. 1968. Hedera in Flora Europaea Vol. 2: Rosaceae to Umbelliferae. T. G. Tutin, V. H. Heywood, N. A. Burges, D. H. Valentine, S. M. Walters, & D. A. Webb, eds. Cambridge University Press. United Kingdom.

Responsible Party:

Dean G. Kelch, Primary Botanist; California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6650; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov

Pest Rating: None | Proposed Seed Rating: None

Posted by ls

Weeds

Barbwire Russian thistle | Salsola gobicola

February 16, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating

Barbwire Russian thistle | Salsola gobicola

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Salsola gobicola has an internal CDFA rating of “Q”. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Salsola gobicola is an annual herbaceous dicot that can grow 1.5 m tall¹. The genus Salsola belongs to the tribe Salsoleae of the family Amaranthaceae. Salsola means “salty” in Latin, referring its tolerance for salty soils. This genus has very large number of species, but only a few species appears as weeds in North America. These species includes Salsola tragus (probably the most widespread), Salsola collina (mainly east of the Rocky Mountains), Salsola paulsenii (primarily in deserts), Salsola kali (restricted to ocean shores) and Salsola australis (mainly in California, South Africa and Australia). Polyploid hybrids include Salsola x gobicola (a cross of S. tragus and S. paulsenii) that is known in the western USA and central Asia, and Salsola x ryanii (a cross of S. tragus and S. australis), known only from California⁴.

Salsola gobicola appears where the parent species overlap, in central Asia and the western USA. It is well distributed in sandy (120–2200 m) places in California. It has spreading to ascending stems and opposite to alternate, gray green to yellow green leaves. It has small flower, a green calyx and sepals’ soft to spiny. The flowering time is July to October⁶.

Worldwide Distribution: The genus Salsola is reported widespread in Europe and Asia. Salsola gobicola is only reported outside California in Utah and Mexico⁶.

Official Control: Salsola gobicola is not known to be under official control in any States or nations⁹.

California Distribution: It is reported form Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Luis Obispo and Tulare counties^{2, 7}.

California Interceptions: Salsola gobicola was intercepted three times between January 2010 and December 2116 by CDFA border protection stations. There were several vouchers were submitted before 2000’s⁸.

The risk Salsola gobicola (Barbwire Russian thistle) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Salsola gobicola is established large sandy area in California and still spreading². Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Salsola gobicola do not require any one host, but grow wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score: 3

Low (1) has a very limited host range

Medium (2) has a moderate host range

High (3) has a wide host range

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Seed spreading via tumbling mature plants with air current is very common in this genus. The mature plants contain thousands of seeds ready to germinate in sandy, salty dry soil condition. Seed are also transported to long distances by cattle and human transport systems. It receives a High (3) in this category

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Salsola gobicola could invades the cropland, especially spring wheat by growing in dense stands. It decreases crop yield and can lower the crop value. It displaces both native plants and other plants which could negatively change normal cultural practices. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below.

Economic Impact: A, B, D

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Salsola gobicola is likely to trigger new chemical treatments by ranchers and land managers. A study shows that Salsola gobicola contributes population decline and had negative effect on the habitat of these two federally listed endangered species, the Eureka Valley dune grass (Swallenia alexandrae) and the Eureka Valley evening primrose (Oenothera californica ssp. Eurekensis)^3,5. It may also effect the rare taxa Mariposa lupine (Lupinus citrinus), Antioch dunes evening primrose (Oenothera deltoids spp. howellii) and grassland species such as California round leaved filaree (California macrophylla). The plant can disrupt natural communities. Salsola gobicola receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A B, C, D

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

Consequences of Introduction to California for Salsola gobicola (Barbwire Russian thistle): High (15)

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Salsola gobicola has been reported in 12 counties in California. It receives a Medium (-2) in this category.

Score: -2

-Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

-Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

-High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (13)

Uncertainty:

Salsola gobicola has been known in California for decades and it has proved highly invasive. So, there is low uncertainty.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Conclusions of the harm(s) associated with this pest to California using all of the evidence presented above: Proposed Rating: based on the score listed above the pest is a high risk weed with a distribution in at least 12 counties. A “B” rating is recommended, as the plant is invasive, but could spread further.

References:

Annual report 2009. Plant pest Diagnostics center. California Department of Food and Agriculture. Accessed January 05, 2017 https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/ppd/PDF/PPDC2009.pdf

Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals, including the Consortium of California Herbaria. 2016. Berkeley, California. Accessed January 05, 2017 https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=12004

Chow, Elaine K. Ph D. 2016. Dynamics of Native and Invasive Non-native Plant Species in Desert Sand Dunes of Eureka Valley, Death Valley National Park. UC, DAVIS. 149 pages; 10182745. Accessed January 05, 2017 http://gradworks.umi.com/10/18/10182745.html

Invasive Species Compendium: Distribution maps for plant pests, Accessed January 05, 2017 http://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/50297

Jane Cipra and Kelly Fuhrmann, 2012. Understanding endangered plant species population changes at Eureka Dunes, Death Valley National Park. Park science Volume 29. Accessed January 05, 2017 https://www.nature.nps.gov/parkscience/Archive/PDF/Article_PDFs/ParkScience29(1)SpringSummer2012_62-68_CipraFuhrmann_2874.pdf

Jepson Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, D. J. Keil, R. Patterson, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken, editors. 2012. The Jepson manual: vascular plants of California, second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley. Accessed January 05, 2017 http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=82452

Roskov Y., Abucay L. Orrell T. Nicolson D. eds. 2015. The University of Georgia Center for invasive species and ecosystem health. Accessed January 05, 2017 https://www.eddmaps.org/Species/subject.cfm?sub=75312

Pest and Damage Record Database, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). Accessed January 05, 2017 https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6695; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

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♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: R

Posted by ls

Weeds

Ward’s Weed | Carrichtera annua

February 1, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating for

Ward’s Weed | Carrichtera annua

Family: Brassicaceae

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Carrichtera annua was introduced in California in the early 2000’s and had no previous pest rating. A pest rating proposal is required to determine a permanent rating for this pest.

History & Status:

Background: Carrichtera annua is an annual member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae)¹. It is commonly known as Ward’s weed. It is a small, upright to spreading, short-lived herbaceous plant which can grow 5-40 cm tall. The stems, leaves and fruits are covered with bristly hairs³. Carrichtera annua can be easily distinguished from other members of the mustard family by its fruits and leaves. The fruits are globe-shaped with a curved oblong extension; the opposite leaves are bipinnately compound. The flower petals are pale yellowish and the sepals are hairy and lavender in color before the flower opens¹.

Carrichtera annua is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been accidentally introduced to Australia and southern California. Carrichtera annua is a serious weed of semi-arid rangelands of Australia where the average annual rainfall is 250 mm – 350 mm. It is a common plant of dry open and disturbed sites of grassland and shrub land. Carrichtera annua is known to invade grassland areas, especially areas degraded by overgrazing, where it replaces pasture plants³.

Worldwide Distribution: Carrichtera annua is native to the Mediterranean region and western part of Asia. It is reported in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Greece and Italy. It is widely naturalized in the inland regions of southern and central parts of Australia. It is also sparingly naturalized in Tasmania and parts of southern and central Queensland⁵.

Official Control: Carrichtera annua is not declared or considered noxious by any state government authorities⁷.

California Distribution: Carrichtera annua currently is known from a limited area of San Diego County.

California Interceptions: Only one PDR No 1559908 collected in San Diego on Feb 18, 2009 was found in the Pest and Damage Record Database by CDFA⁶. It was collected in 1979 in Salinas, Monterey County, CA (voucher: Johnson & Oliver s.n, CDFA).

The risk Carrichtera annua (Ward’s weed) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: The plant has adapted to a wide area in its native range and is highly invasive in areas of Australia ecologically similar to California. Therefore Carrichtera annua receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Carrichtera annua do not require any one host, but grow wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Carrichtera annua reproduces only by seed but it is capable of producing 30,000 seeds/mm²annually². These seeds are dispersed short distances by ants, foraging animals and human activity. They may be dispersed longer distances by vehicles, on larger animals and in contaminated agricultural produce. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Carrichtera annua can form dense stands becoming the dominant herbaceous plant which could lower the crop yield and its value. It displaces both native plants and other rangeland species and could negatively change normal cultural practices. It is unpalatable to livestock. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below.

Economic Impact: A, B, D, F

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 3

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Carrichtera annua is likely to trigger new chemical treatments by ranchers and land managers. The plant can dominate grasslands and roadsides, excluding native plants and lowering biodiversity. Rare taxa that might be affected include species such as showy Indian clover (Trifolium amoenum), CA filaree (California macrophylla), San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila), vernal pool species such as Burke’s goldfields (Lasthenia burkei), CA tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), and grazers such as tule elk (Cervuscanadensis nannodes). The plant can disrupt natural communities. Carrichtera annua receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A B, C, D

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact: Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

Consequences of Introduction to California for Carrichtera annua (Wards weed): High (15)

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Carrichtera annua has been reported only in San Diego County and seems likely restricted to this area. It receives a Low (-1) in this category.

Score: -1

-Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

-Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

-High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (14)

Uncertainty:

Uncertainty is low, as the plant has spread widely in the Mediterranean and South Australia. Carrichtera annua is been in California about 15 years ago and it is localized in a limited area.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

An “A” rating is recommended, as the plant is invasive, but not yet widespread. There is still the chance to eradicate this plant from California.

References:

Jessie Vinje, 2008. Center for Natural Lands Management. Cal-IPC News page -9. Accessed January 03, 2017 http://www.cal-ipc.org/resources/news/pdf/Cal-IPC_News_Winter08.pdf

Julia Cooke, Dr.Julian Ash & Dr. Richard Groves. The Ecology of Ward’s weed. Australian National University. Accessed January 03, 2017 https://www.ecolsoc.org.au/files/pages/The%20Ecology%20of%20Ward’s%20Weed.pdf

Impact Assessment – Wards weed (Carrichtera annua) in Victoria. State Govt. Assessment page. Accessed January 03, 2017 http://vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/impact_wards_weed

Special edition of Environmental Weeds of Australia for Biosecurity Queensland. Accessed January 03, 2017 https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/carrichtera_annua.htm

S. National Plant Germplasm System Accessed January 03, 2017. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=310895

Pest and Damage Record Database, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). Accessed January 03, 2017 https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6695; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: R

Posted by ls

Weeds

Cytisus striatus: Portuguese Broom

January 31, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating for

Cytisus striatus: Portuguese broom

Family: Fabaceae

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: P

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Cytisus striatus has no rating in the past and it is growing widely in coastal areas especially in San Francisco, San Diego and Mendocino counties. It’s a B category noxious weed listed in Oregon. Due to this, a risk assessment of this known weed is critical to designate an official rating.

History & Status:

Background: Cytisus striatus is perennial, leguminous shrub known by the common names Portuguese broom, striated broom and hairy-fruited broom. It is six to nine feet tall with many slender stems that are silky-hairy when young and become more or less smooth when mature. Stems are covered sparsely by small leaves consisting of one to three leaflets. Pale yellow, pea-like flowers arise from the leaf axils singly or in pairs. Mature fruit pods are densely white-hairy, and each contains several seeds. Portuguese broom strongly resembles Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) which is invasive noxious weed in California. The main features that distinguish this species from Scotch broom are the paler yellow flower color, 8-10 versus 5-8 angles on the stem, and the densely white-hairy fruit pods of Portuguese broom³.

Cytisus striatus is the least common of the broom species in North America, occurring in California and Oregon. It currently occupies sixty-five acres in the Marin Headlands, Marin County, where it forms dense cover with one mature shrub per two square meters. It is found occasionally in other parts of the Bay area, and has been reported in Mendocino and San Diego counties¹. Its similarity to Cytisus scoparius may explain it lack of detection in central and south coastal counties¹.

Worldwide Distribution: Cytisus striatus is native to Morocco, Portugal and Spain. It is reported in a number of northwestern European countries including England, Scotland, Wales and France. It has also been introduced into California and Oregon in the USA and Argentina^3.

Official Control: Cytisus striatus is classified as a Category B noxious weed in Oregon⁶.

California Distribution: It was introduced to California in the 1960s as an erosion-control plant⁵. It is spreading in San Francisco Bay Area especially in Marin Headlands. It is also reported in Mendocino and San Diego counties, as well as in Yosemite National Park¹.

California Interceptions: Cytisus striatus has not been intercepted in California through regulatory pathways (Pest and Damage Report Database, CA Department of Food and Agriculture)¹⁰. It has been documented by State personnel.

The risk Cytisus striatus (Portuguese broom) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Cytisus striatus is established in the San Francisco Bay Area and is still spreading in other areas of California. Therefore, Cytisus striatus receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range Cytisus striatus do not require any one host, but grow wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest.

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Cytisus striatus reproduces 15,000 seeds per year⁴. Seeds are released ballistically from the pod, then further dispersed by ants, other animals and water runoff along the ground. Portuguese broom can resprout from its root crown when cut, particularly during the growing season³. It receives a High (3) in this category

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest.

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Cytisus striatus can invade cropland by growing in dense stands. It displaces both native plants and cultivated plants; this could negatively change normal cultural practices. It receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below.

Economic Impact: A, D

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score: 2

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Cytisus striatus is capable of invading and establishing dense populations in coastal prairie, coastal scrub, oak savannah, and open-canopy woodlands⁷. Cytisus striatusis likely to trigger new chemical treatments by ranchers and land managers. Rare taxa that might be affected include grassland species such as showy Santa Cruz clover (Trifolium buckwestiorum), CA filaree (California macrophylla), Santa Cruz tarplant (Holocarpha macradenia) and Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus). The plant can disrupt natural communities. Cytisus striatus receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

Environmental Impact: A B, C, D

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact: Score: 3

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

Consequences of Introduction to California for Cytisus striatus (Portuguese broom): High (14)

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Cytisus striatus has been reported only in San Francisco Bay Area, Mendocino, Yosemite National Park and San Diego Counties. It receives a Medium (-2) in this category.

Score: -2

-Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

-Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

-High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (12)

Uncertainty:

Cytisus striatus entered California long ago, although it has not yet spread widely, there is nothing to stop it spreading in the appropriate habitats. So, there is low uncertainty.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Conclusions of the harm(s) associated with this pest to California using all of the evidence presented above: Proposed Rating: based on the score listed above the pest is a medium risk. A “B” rating is recommended, as the plant is invasive in 12 counties but has not spread as far as it is likely to without management.

References:

1. Alvarez, Maria. 2000. Cytisus striatus In: Bossard, Carla C.; Randall, John M.; Hoshovsky, Marc C., eds. Invasive plants of California’s wildlands. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press: 150-154. Accessed January 05, 2017. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/cytspp/all.html#4

2. Encyclopedia of Life. Hairy-fruited broom. Accessed January 05, 2017 http://eol.org/pages/703580/details

3. Invasive Plant of California’s Wildland. Cal-IPC News. Accessed January 05, 2017 http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/ipcw/pages/detailreport.cfm@usernumber=40&surveynumber=182.php

4. Invasive weeds in Forest land. EC 1598-E September 2008 Oregon State University. Accessed January 05, 2017 http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/19804/ec1598-e.pdf

5. Inaturalist.org- hairy fruited broom – Accessed January 05, 2017 http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/76598

6. Invasive Species information. Accessed January 05, 2017 http://www.weedcenter.org/resources/state.html

7. Michail Belov. 2005-2009 – Chile flora – Article. Accessed January 05, 2017 http://www.chileflora.com/Florachilena/FloraEnglish/HighResPages/EH0297.htm

8. Chater, A. O. & D. A. Webb. 1971. Orobanchein Flora Europaea Vol. 3: Diapensiaceae to Myoporaceae. T. G. Tutin, V. H. Heywood, N. A. Burges, D. H. Valentine, S. M. Walters, & D. A. Webb, eds. Cambridge University Press. United Kingdom.

9. Hrusa, F., B. Ertter, A. Sanders, G. Leppig, and E. Dean. 2002. Catalog of non-native vascular plants occurring spontaneously in California beyond those addressed in The Jepson Manual. Part I. Madroño 49: 61-98.

10. Pest and Damage Record Database, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp

Responsible Party:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6695; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: P

Posted by ls

Weeds

Giant Hogweed | Heracleum mantegazzianum

January 11, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating for

Giant Hogweed | Heracleum mantegazzianum

Family : Apiaceae

Pest Rating : A | Proposed Seed Rating: P

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Giant hogweed is a federal listed noxious weed.

History & Status:

Background: Heracleum mantegazzianum, commonly called giant hogweed or cartwheel flower, is an herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial that is noted for producing rapid and prodigious growth.Giant hogweed has over time escaped gardens and naturalized in roadside ditches, stream banks, fields, unused farmland,railroad track right-of-ways and along fences in a number of areas in North America, primarily the northeastern and northwestern U.S.plus parts of Canada. In the first year, this plant produces a large mound of coarse, compound, basal leaves (each to as much as 3′ long) with deeply cut leaflets. In the second year, the plant will rise up to 10-16′ tall topped by a gigantic, flat-topped, umbrella-like, compound umbel (2-4′ wide). Each umbel contains thousands of tiny white flowers. Plants bloom in late June. After flowering and fruiting, the plant dies. Each large flower umbel produce 20,000 seeds. Green stems are hollow and distinguished by white hairs and purple blotches. Giant hogweed is in the same genus as the cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum) which is native to North America³. It was brought to the U.S. in 1917 to an ornamental garden in New York. Giant hogweed is a USDA federally listed noxious weed and it is especially invasive in riparian and urban sites^5&6.

Large plants can restrict the access to rivers, trails, and paths; studies indicate that giant hogweed can negatively impact soil dynamics, fisheries, and other species in its nonnative habitats. Contact with plant sap can burn, blister, and scar to exposed skin. In severe cases the irritation leads to blistering that result in painful dark purple scars⁴.

Official Control: Giant hog weed is under official control in Colombia, Korea and in the Republic of Mexico⁷.

California Distribution: Giant hogweed has not yet been detected in California.

California Interceptions: None.

United States: Giant hogweed has been identified in 16 states since its inclusion on the Federal Noxious Weed list.These state Includes New York, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin⁴.

Worldwide Distribution: Giant hogweed is native to the Caucasus region of Eurasia and was introduced into Europe in the 1800s. It is reported in Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and in the United Kingdom. In Asia it is found in Central Russia and Iran. It is introduced into Australia and Canada as well^1&3.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Giant hogweed is well established in Oregon and Washington and is spreading there. These States have similar habitat to Northern Therefore, there is a high risk that it will establish in California. Giant hogweed receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score(3)

-Low (1) not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas

-Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California

–High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California

2) Pest Host Range: Giant hogweeds do not require any one host, but grow wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest: Score:(3)

-Low (1) has a very limited host range

-Medium (2) has a moderate host range

-High (3) has a wide host range

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Giant hogweed can produce up to 20,000 seeds, allowing it to spread quickly and form dense canopies, outcompeting native plants³. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the dispersal potential of the pest: Score(3)

-Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential

-Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential

-High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential

4) Economic Impact: Giant hogweed can regrow very rapidly and often invades fallow fields, especially in riparian zones. The plant leaves and stem exude a clear, watery sap that photosensitizes skin, causing a condition known as photodermatitis. Blisters and burns may result on subsequent exposure to the sun. It could effect the skins of small farm animals, especially dogs and Cats². Giant hogweed receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using these criteria.

Economic Impact: A, B, D,F

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact: Score (3)

-Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts

-Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts

–High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts

5) Environmental Impact: Giant hogweed can become quite dense, owing to the plant’s prolific seed production and rapid growth rate. Such dense stands crowd out slower growing plants, the thick hogweed canopy displacing native state enlisted endangered plant such as Humboldt milk –vetch (Astragalus agnicidus) that need direct sunlight to grow. The decreased abundance of beneficial native plants can reduce the utility of the area for wildlife habitat. When riparian plants are displaced, stream bank erosion can increase and stream beds can be covered with silt. Giant hogweed receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the following criteria.

Environmental Impact: A,B,C,D.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs

E. Significantly impacting cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact: Score(3)

-Low (1) causes none of the above to occur

-Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur

–High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur

Consequences of Introduction to California for Giant hog weed:

Rating (Score): Add up the total score and include it here:

-Low = 5-8 points

-Medium = 9-12 points

-High = 13-15 points

Total points based on above criteria, which does not take into account the pathogen’s already wide distribution in California: High (15).

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Giant hogweed has never been found in California and receives a Not Established (0) in this category

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: (15)

Uncertainty:

Although this plant is not yet established in California, its invasive behaviour in Washington and Oregon, areas similar to NW California, means that it is high likely to prove invasive in NW CA if it establishes there.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Conclusions of the harm associated with this pest to California using all of the evidence presented above: Proposed Rating: Based on the score listed above, Giant hogweed is a High risk. Given its ability to spread widely and displace native plants, an “A” rating is proposed.

References:

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Written Findings of the State Noxious Weed Control Board – Class A Weed. State of Washington. 4 pp. http://idtools.org/id/fnw/factsheet.php?name=14620

Linda Cole; CANIDAE® Pet Foods,San Luis Obispo. Accessed 11-15-2016. http://www.canidae.com/blog/2015/08/pet-owners-beware-of-wild-parsnip-and-giant-hogweed/

Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 11-15-2016 http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275991&isprofile=0&

New York Invasive Species Information, Giant Hogweed. Accessed:11-15-2016 http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=invasive_detail&id=45

Oregon Department of Agriculture. 2008. Toxic plant alert!: Giant hogweed–Heracleum mantegazzianum. Salem OR: Oregon Department of Agriculture, Plant Division, Noxious Weed Control Program. Accessed: 11-15-2016 http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/herman/all.html#40

Ohio State University Extension. Accessed: 11-15-2016 http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-35

USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). Accessed: 11-15-2016 https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6695; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating : A | Proposed Seed Rating: P

Posted by ls

Weeds

Spanish Heath | Erica lusitanica

January 9, 2017 Javaid Iqbal

California Pest Rating for

Spanish Heath | Erica lusitanica

Family: Ericaceae

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Concern about the invasiveness of Spanish heath from the land mangement along the north coast of California.

History & Status:

Background: Erica lusitanica, commonly called Spanish heath is a woody, upright, perennial evergreen shrub growing up to 10 feet tall. It can produce up to 9 million seeds per plant where it is invasive. These seeds are dispersed by wind, water, animal and human transported. It is capable of forming dense stands in forest lands, wild areas, pastureland and on right-of-ways. Leaves are light green, needle like, 3-7 mm long and arranged around the stem in groups (whorls) of three to four. Blooms are a showy mass of small, white to pink, bell (tubular) shaped flowers. Plants begin flowering in December continuing until April. It has shown quick recovery from fire and can be found in disturbed and open sandy areas. It is well adapted to acidic soils and could infest a wide range of shrub and forest habitats^1&3.

Spanish heath is native to southwest Europe and has infested large areas in northern California in Humboldt and Del -Norte counties. It is demonstrating a capacity to infest similar habitat in Oregon and Washington. In parts of Australia and New Zealand, Spanish heath is a major environmental weed that out-competes native vegetation. It impacts the parks, wildland and wildlife refuges result from the aggressive growth and competition demonstrated by this plant⁴.

Official Control: Spanish heath is under official treatment in New Zealand⁵.

California Distribution: Spanish Heath is found along waterways scattered throughout much of Coastal northern CA in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. It is also reported from Mendocino, Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties along the shoreline².

California Interceptions: Two vouchers have been submitted in the CDFA herbarium.

United States: Spanish heath is known from Oregon, and Washington.

Worldwide Distribution: Spanish heath s widely naturalized in the south-eastern parts of Australia, especially in Victoria and Tasmania. It is also reported as naturalized and as an environmental weed in UK and New Zealand⁴.

This risk Spanish Heath would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Spanish heath has established in 4 counties in California and presumably can spread to similar habitats elsewhere in the State. Therefore, there is a high risk that it can establish in California. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score: 3

Low (1) not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas

Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California

High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California

2) Pest Host Range: Spanish heath does not require any one host, but grow wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest: Score : 3

Low (1) has a very limited host range

Medium (2) has a moderate host range

High (3) has a wide host range

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Spanish heath has a very high seed production. It can spread by wind, water, animal or human activity. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the dispersal potential of the pest: Score: 3

Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential

Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential

High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential

4) Economic Impact: Spanish Heath only occasionally invades agricultural land. It can lower crop yields, crop value, and change cultural practices. Pasture productivity would suffer as edible forage becomes out-competed by this less desirable shrub. Right-of-way maintenance costs would increase in infested areas³. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using these criteria:

Economic Impact: A, B,C D

A. The pest could lower crop yield

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs)

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines by other states or countries)

D. The pest could negatively change normal production cultural practices

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

Economic Impact Score (3)

-Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts

-Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts

–High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts

5) Environmental Impact: Spanish heath is well adapted to moist, acidic soils and could infest shrub and forest habitats along the coastal belt in California. It is commonly found growing in close association with Gorse, Scotch, French broom, and Blackberry, especially in riparian and roadside areas³.

Spanish heath can dominate open, disturbed areas, excluding other plants and lowering biodiversity and forms dense patches that could interfere with recreation activities along the coast. Its dense growth leads to competition with native vegetation and could impact sensitive species such as Humboldt milk–vetch (Astragalus agnicidus) and Abruptbeak sedge (Carex abrupta). Spanish heath receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the following criteria:

Environmental Impact: A,B,C,D,E

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs

E. Significantly impacting cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Environmental Impact: Score (3)

-Low (1) causes none of the above to occur

-Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur

–High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur

Consequences of Introduction to California for Spanish heath:

Rating (Score): Add up the total score and include it here

Low = 5-8 points

Medium = 9-12 points

High = 13-15 points

Total points based on above criteria, which does not take into account the already wide distribution of this invasive plant in California: High (15).

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Spanish heath has been found in California and receives a Medium (-2) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: (13)

Uncertainty:

As this plant is established as an invasive species in western CA, there is little uncertainty associated with this assessment.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Conclusions of the harm(s) associated with this pest to California using all of the evidence presented above: Proposed Rating: based on the score listed above the pest is a high risk. This would justify an “A” rating. As the plant is found in five counties in California, the pest would be best assigned a “B” rating.

References:

Brusati, E. (2011). Cal-IPC Inventory update adds eight plants. Cal-IPC News. Accessed 11-18-2016. http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/plant_profiles/Erica_lusitanica.php

Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals, including the Consortium of California Herbaria. Berkeley, California. Accessed 11-18-2016. http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=3070

Oregon Department of Agriculture ! Noxious Weed Control Program. Accessed 11-18-2016. https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/Weeds/PlantPestRiskAssessmentSpanishHeath2013.pdf

Weed of Australia, Biosecurity Queenland Edition. Accessed 11-18-2016. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/erica_lusitanica.htm

USDA-Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database ( PExD). Accessed 11-18-2016. https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/PExD/faces/ReportFormat.jsp

Responsible party:

Javaid Iqbal, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6695; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: R

Posted by ls

The CDFA's Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division grants the public opportunities to comment on proposed pest ratings. The following type of proposals are available for comment:

California Pest Rating for

Hieracium aurantiacum: Orange hawkweed

Family : Asteraceae

Pest Rating : B | Proposed Seed Rating: P

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

History & Status:

Consequences of Introduction:

Consequences of Introduction to California for Orange hawkweed:

Final Score:

Uncertainty:

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

References:

Responsible Party:

NOTE:

Pest Rating : B | Proposed Seed Rating: P

California Pest Rating for

Yellow-Flag Iris | Iris pseudacorus L.

Family: Iridaceae

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

History & Status:

Consequences of Introduction:

Final Score:

Uncertainty:

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

References:

Author:

Responsible Party:

Pest Rating: B | Proposed Seed Rating: R

California Pest Rating for

Kidneyleaf mud plantain | Heteranthera reniformis

Liliales: Pontedriaceae

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: P

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

History & Status:

Consequences of Introduction:

Consequences of Introduction to California for Heteranthera reniformis, Kidneyleaf mud plant: High (13)

Final Score:

Uncertainty:

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

References:

Author:

Responsible Party:

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: P

California Pest Rating for

Lily of the Valley Vine | Salpichroa origanifolia

Family: Solanaceae

Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

History & Status:

Consequences of Introduction:

Consequences of Introduction to California for Salpichroa origanifolia (Lily of the valley vine): Medium (11)

Final Score:

Uncertainty:

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

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Author:

Responsible Party:

Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: R

California Pest Rating for

Geranium lucidum L.: Shining cranesbill

Geraniales: Geraniaceae

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: R

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

History & Status:

Consequences of Introduction:

Consequences of Introduction to California for Geranium Lucidum, Shining geranium: High (15)

Final Score:

Uncertainty:

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

References:

Responsible Party:

Pest Rating: A | Proposed Seed Rating: R

California Pest Rating for

West Indian Woodnettle | Laportea aestuans

***Hieracium aurantiacum*: Orange hawkweed**

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Heteranthera reniformis, Kidneyleaf mud plant: High (13)**

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Geranium Lucidum, Shining geranium: High (15)**

**English Ivy, Irish Ivy & Algerian Ivy | Hedera spp.**