NS Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) partners with the local community to eradicate a restricted invasion of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), a shade-tolerant invasive alien plant from Europe, may threaten Nova Scotia’s unique Acadian Forest type. In 2002, a roadside population of garlic mustard was reported in the community of Grand Pré, NS, the only known occurrence of this plant in the province. In six years, the population has subsequently spread along roadsides, infested the Grand Pré National Historic Site, crossed a major watershed divide and formed a new colony in Hantsport, 10 km east of the original infestation. This plant becomes established in disturbed areas, such as ditches, then spreads into undisturbed areas. The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) has an important role in preventing further spread of this plant by adjusting right-of-way (ROW) maintenance practices in areas infested with garlic mustard. NSTIR, working cooperatively with numerous partners, is developing and implementing a set of best management practices (BMPs). These include: 1 – training for proper identification of plants in all life history stages, 2 – physical (mechanical/hand) removal of plants at the correct time, 3 – proper disposal of cut plant material, 4 – annual quality assurance surveys of managed areas, 5 – proper on-site equipment cleaning, and 6 – long-term commitment with partners to implement the BMPs until complete seedbank depletion. NSTIR and its partners began implementing these BMPs in May 2008, and by following an adaptive management approach, expect eradication of garlic mustard from NS within 7-10 years.