Individual effects of mechanical and chemical control treatment on Ligustrum lucidum and other exotic species invading subtropical forests, Horco Molle, Tucumán, Argentina, 2021-2023

The data looks at invasive tree species individual responses to mechanical-chemical/chemical treatments were part of a field experiment on the management of secondary forests affected by Ligustrum lucidum invasion. This was undertaken by establishing 6 permanent plots of 240 metres by 140 meters each (3.36 hectares, see included shapefile). Plots were established in pairs (3 pairs in total), where one element of the pair was assigned as the null scenario (no actions applied), and the other was the control (L. lucidum control and native tree planting). Before management actions, we conducted the census.

The data includes the responses of 1184 stems of invasive trees (mainly Ligustrum lucidum) located in 3 plots under management with arbitrary coordinates (x for the longest side and y for the shortest) to assess the location of each tree. For each tree stem with a perimeter at breast height (PBH) >15.7 cm, the tree was assigned a tagged ID and the species was recorded, the PBH measured and the presence of secondary stems. At a later stage, a treatment was assigned (mechanical-chemical or only chemical), taking into account PBH sizes and locations (to have similar quantities of treatment along individual sizes and locations).

For the stems assigned to a “mechanical-chemical treatment", we cut the stem with a chainsaw and immediately applied the herbicide aminopyralid (1.5% water-dissolved solution). For the stems assigned to a “chemical treatment", we injected the same herbicide into the stem. Every month, we monitored the individual responses to treated stems (resprout, stress signs, death).

After one year from the control, we applied a second treatment to the stems with mechanical-chemical treatment that had been resprouted. The stems with only chemical treatment had no effect, and the cost of application was high, so we did not apply a second treatment. The individual responses for all the mechanical- chemical-treated stems every two months for one year.

Data were recorded onto field sheets, transferred into spreadsheets and exported as comma-separated value (CSV) files for deposit into the EIDC.

This dataset is under embargo and will be made available by 10 November 2025 at the latest   Find out more »

This dataset is included in the following collections

Optimising the long term management of invasive species affecting biodiversity, carbon storage, and the rural economy in South America using adaptive management