The LSU AgCenter is getting a grant potentially worth one million dollars to study the vital bayou stalwart roseau cane. The cane helps keep the bayou intact, but is threatened by sea level changes and an infection of roseau scale. Professor Roberto Diaz says they’ll use the money to run a series of tests in isolated greenhouses and out in the field.
“We want to understand how they handle different water levels, different pathogens attacking the cane, and the salinity levels.”
As much as 90 percent of the total vegetation of more southern bayous is compromised of the cane, and it’s massive root system that can result in an eight foot tall plant.
Once they investigate the different strains, and determine which is best suited to resist the scale and rising tides, Diaz says they’ll work with conservation groups and other organizations to hopefully get more of the tougher variety planted in the wetlands.
“If we want to do some restoration in the marsh, maybe we can use a variety that shows a particular adaptation to the stress.”
The cane is credited with sustaining bayous by reducing the action of waves as they crash into the wetlands.
The grant was praised by a series of state leaders, and Diaz says it’s been nice to see the growing acceptance of the threat the state would face if it were to lose the roseau cane.
“Three years ago this was not even an issue, but it seems to be now that the different stake holders are paying closer attention.”
