The effect of clipping on the growth and miserotoxin content of Columbia milkvetch
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Authors: W. Majak, D. A. Quinton, H. E. Douwes, J. W. Hall, and A. D. Muir
Date: 1988
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 41
Number: 1
Pages: 26-29
Summary of Methods: The growth and miserotoxin content of Columbia milkvetch (Astragalus miser) plants that were clipped in late May were determined at weekly intervals until early July. Groups of Columbia milkvetch plants were collected from 2 sites (near Lac du Bois, 11 km North of Kamloops, British Columbia) at weekly intervals for 7 weeks during May-July, 1984. Six groups of 20 plants were harvested on the first day of the trial (a control group and 5 groups which would be subjected to clipping again). The aerial portion of the plant was excised at the base just above the crown. At weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 one group of previously clipped plants and a new control group of 20 plants were harvested.
Article Summary / Main Points: In both years and at both sites, growth and toxicity were substantially reduced in response to early clipping in the spring. Aboveground biomass of clipped plants was reduced by at least 50% during a 6-week period of regrowth. Miserotoxin content declined in clipped plants.
Vegetation Types: Not Applicable
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Rangelands Poisonous plants
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: poisonous plants, plant production, simulated herbivory, columbia milkvetch, astragalus miser, toxin concentrations, miserotoxin
Annotation: Clipping can substantially reduce biomass and total toxin content in Columbia milkvetch, early spring grazing needs to be tested to see if the results of clipping and grazing are consistent. The potential hazard to livestock can be altered.
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