Integrated strategies offer site-specific control of yellow starthistle

DiTomaso, J; Enloe, S; Kyser, G; Orloff, S

Integrated strategies offer site-specific control of yellow starthistle

Authors

Joseph M. DiTomaso
Steven F. Enloe
Guy B. Kyser
Steve B. Orloff

Authors Affiliations

J.M. DiTomaso is Noncrop Extension Weed Ecologist, Department of Vegetable Crops, all of UC Davis. S.B. Orloff is Farm Advisor, Siskiyou County; S.F. Enloe is graduate student, Department of Vegetable Crops, all of UC Davis; G.B. Kyser is StaffResearch Associate; S.B. Orloff is Farm Advisor, Siskiyou County.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 54(6):30-36. DOI:10.3733/ca.v054n06p30. November 2000.

PDF of full article, Cite this article

Abstract

Ongoing research projects integrate chemical, mechanical, cultural and biological techniques to control yellow starthistle, a prolific weed now infesting between 10 million and 15 million acres in California. With many options available to land managers, developing a long-term, strategic management plan most suitable to a specific area can be complicated. It requires careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of each option and how best to incorporate appropriate ones into an effective program. Management strategies include timely mowings, grazing, clover plantings, biological control insects, prescribed burning and selective applications of herbicides. In addition to new developments in the management of yellow starthistle, public awareness of invasive weed issues has translated into major legislative changes that should encourage and assist private and public landowners and managers to initiate long-term programs to prevent and manage invasive weeds, particularly yellow starthistle.

References

Balciunas J, Villegas B. Two new seed head flies attack yellow starthistle. Cal Ag. 1999. 53(2):8-11.

Benefield CB, DiTomaso JM, Kyser GB. Success of mowing to control yellow starthistle depends on timing and plant's branching form. Cal Ag. 1999. 53(2):17-21.

DiTomaso JM, Kyser GB, Hastings MS. Prescribed burning for control of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) and enhanced native plant diversity. Weed Sci 1999a. 47:pp.233-42.

DiTomaso JM, Kyser GB, Orloff SB. New growth regulator herbicide provides excellent control of yellow starthistle. Cal Ag 1999b. 53pp.12-6.

Gerlach JD, Kelly M, Wagner E, Warner P. How the west was lost: reconstructing the invasion dynamics of yellow starthistle and other plant invaders of western rangeiands and natural areas. Proc Calif Exotic Pest Plant Council. 1997. 3:67-72.

Knapp EE, Rice KJ., Kelly M, Wagner E, Warner P. Ecotypes of native species: how local is local in restoration plantings?. Proc. Calif. Exotic Pest Plant Council. 1997. 3:51-5.

Pitcairn MJ, DiTomaso JM. Range-land and uncultivated areas: integrating biological control agents and herbicides for starthistle control. In: Hoddle MS (ed.). California Conference on Biological Control.. UC Div Agri Nat Resources 2000. Oakland, CA: 72.

Pitcairn MJ, O'Connell RA, Gendron JM, Woods DM. Yellow starthistle: Survey of statewide distribution. Biological Control Program Annual Summary, 1996. Calif Dept Food and Agr, Div Plant Industry 1997. Sacramento, CA: pp.53-6.

Thomsen CD, Vayssieres MP, Williams WA. Mowing and subclover plantings 0. 1997.

Thomsen CD, Williams WA, Vayssieres M. Controlled grazing on annual grassland decreases yellow starthistle. Cal Ag. 1993. 47(6):36-40.

Also in this issue:

Methodology for indole-3-acetic acid: Sample preparation, extraction, and purification techniques

Building the IPM continuum

UC IPM: 20 years of progress

IPM leads overhaul of PCA licensing exams

Training helps reduce pesticide risks

UC scientists apply IPM techniques to new eucalyptus pests

Almond and stone fruit growers reduce OP, increase pyrethroid use in dormant sprays

IPM research profiled: 10-year trends

Mass releases of wasps can reduce damage from codling moth

Cotton aphid emerges as major pest in SJV cotton

Interplanting grasses into alfalfa controls weeds in older stands

Solarization and biofumigation help disinfest soil

Analysis shows climate-caused decreases in Scott River fall flows

Algal-bacterial treatment facility removes selenium from drainage water

Nutrition lessons improve Hispanic teenage girls' knowledge

Tuolumne County shops capture local dollars

Grading error reduces grower incentives to increase prune quality