Variable impacts of imazapic rate on downy brome (Bromus tectorum) and seeded species in two rangeland communities
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Authors: C. Morris, T. A. Monaco, and C. W. Rigby
Date: 2009
Journal: Invasive Plant Science and Management
Volume: 2
Number: 2
Pages: 110-119
Summary of Methods: The interaction of herbicides and seeded species when used to control cheatgrass was measured at two site in central Utah; the first site was located in a salt desert shrub community (40° 19' 37.13" N, 112° 46' 56" W) the second site was a Wyoming big sagebrush community (39° 30' 36.27" N, 111° 31' 51.07" W). Both sites were disked to a depth of 15 cm and cultivated with a spike toothed harrow to prepare the seedbed. Ten treatments with 5 applications rates (35, 70, 105, and 140 g ai/ha) of Imazapic applied in late October and 5 seeded species (two sources of Siberian wheatgrass, two sources of prostrate kochia, and 'Bozoisky II' Russian wildrye) were applied in a split plot design at each site.
Article Summary / Main Points: Salt desert shrub community: 1) After 2 years the high rate of imazapic had reduced cheatgrass by only 25%. 2) Seeded species establishment generally increased with increased imazapic rates. Wyoming big sagebrush community: 1) After 2 years there was no difference between treated and untreated plots. 2) Seeded species establishment peaked at intermediate rates and declined at higher rates of imazapic.
Vegetation Types: Desert Shrublands Sagebrush Steppe
MLRA Ecoregions: 28A Great Salt Lake Area 47 Wasatch and Uinta Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Bromus tectorum weeds soil seed banks
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: assisted succession, integrated weed management, rangeland seeding, seedling establishment, cheatgrass, downy brome, imazapic, plateau
Annotation: This article provides important key aspects of reclaiming cheatgrass dominated sites. Cheatgrass control, seedling establishment, and cheatgrass seedbank reduction are the three ingredients for success. If cheatgrass is controlled but the seedbank is not sufficiently reduced, it will likely come back after two years with the use of imazapic. Similarly, if competitive species do not establish well it will leave the door open for reinvasion.
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