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THE EFFECT OF CALLERY PEAR (PYRUS CALLERYANA) ON SOIL MACROFAUNA (DIPLOPODA AND OLIGOCHAETA)**

Abstract

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a relatively recent invader of North America. Its ecological effects are still being explored, including those affecting soil macrofauna such as millipedes (Diplopoda) and earthworms (Clitellata: Oligochaeta). These animals play important roles in many soil processes so understanding how they respond to invasive species is vital to soil health. The goals of this study are two-fold: To determine the medium-term (3–4 years) effects of chemical control and to determine how soil macrofauna biodiversity is affected by the local plant community in the presence of invasive Callery pear. Soil fauna will be sampled using four methods for thorough investigation. 1) Leaf litter will be processed in Berlese funnels to draw out small millipedes. 2) Large millipedes will be collected on sight by hand. 3) Earthworms will be collected by digging soil monoliths and sorting through the soil by hand. 4) Additional earthworm collections will be done via the octet method, using an electroshock machine to drive fauna out of the ground. Surveying the plant communities and collecting soil for texture, pH, and C:N ratios will also help achieve the goals of this study. A previous study exploring potential herbicide control was completed in 2019, however as of 2022 there are still treatment zones with little to no Callery pear alongside fully invaded plots, providing an optimal habitat mosaic for comparison.

Acknowledgements

GCSU Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, USDA Forest Service, and Georgia Forestry Commission

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