Carefully timed burning can control barb goatgrass

DiTomaso, J; Heise, K; Kyser, G; Merenlender, A; Keiffer, R

Carefully timed burning can control barb goatgrass

Authors

Joseph M. DiTomaso
Kerry L. Heise
Guy B. Kyser
Adina M. Merenlender
Robert J. Keiffer

Authors Affiliations

J.M. DiTomaso is Extension Weed Specialist, UC Davis; K.L. Heise is Botanist and Staff Research Associate, UC Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program, UC Davis; G.B. Kyser is Staff Research Associate, Department of Vegetable Crops, UC Davis; A.M. Merenlender is Extension Specialist, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, UC Berkeley; R.J. Keiffer is Principal Superintendent of Agriculture, HREC.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 55(6):47-53. DOI:10.3733/ca.v055n06p47. November 2001.

PDF of full article, Cite this article

Abstract

Barb goatgrass is a noxious annual grass that is rapidly invading California's grassland ecosystems. No effective control strategies for managing barb goatgrass have been available that do not simultaneously injure other more desirable grass and broadleaf species. In our study at the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center, we conducted prescribed burning in late spring or early summer before barb goatgrass seeds had reached maturation. One year of prescribed burning was not sufficient to control re-establishment the following year. However, 2 years of complete burning gave effective control of barb goatgrass while increasing native perennial grass cover and native species richness, particularly legumes. The success of the goatgrass control was directly proportional to the completeness of the second-year burn.

References

DiTomaso JM, Kyser GB, Hastings MS. Prescribed burning for control of yellow starthistle(Centaurea solstitialis) and enhanced native plant diversity. Weed Sci. 1999. 47(2):233-42.

Donald WW. Seed survival, germination ability, and emergence of jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica).. Weed Sci. 1991. 39(2):210-6.

Hopkinson P, Fehmi JS, Bartolome JW, et al. Adaptive management and fire control of barb goatgrass. Res Manage Notes. 1999. 17(3):168-9.

Jacobsen WC. Goatgrass — A weed pest of the range. Monthly Bull, Calif Dept Agr. 1929. 18(1):37-41.

Kennedy PB. Goatgrass or wild wheat (Aegilops triuncialis).. J Am Soc Agr. 1928. 20(12):1292-6.

Ludwig JA, Reynolds JF. Statistical Ecology.. 1988. New York: J Wiley. 337.

Menke JW. Grazing and fire managemant for native perennial grass restoration in California grasslands. Fremontia. 1992. 20(12):22-5.

Meyer MD, Schiffman PM. Fire season and mulch reduction in a California grassland: A comparison of restoration strategies. Madrono. 1999. 46(1):25-7.

Murphy AH, Lusk WC. Timing medusahead burns to destroy more seed and save good grasses. Cal Ag. 1961. 15(11):6-7.

Peters A, Johnson DE, George MR. Barb goatgrass: A threat to California rangelands. Rangelands. 1996. 18(1):8-10.

Talbot MW, Smith LS. The goatgrass situation in California. Monthly Bull, Calif Dept Agr. 1930. 19(1):40-6.

Willis BD, Evans JO, Dewey SA. Effects of temperature and flaming on germinability of jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host) seed. Proc West Soc Weed Sci. 1988. 41:49-55.

Young FL, Ogg AG Jr, Dotray PA. Effect of postharvest field burning on jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) germination. Weed Tech. 1990. 4(1):123-7.

Also in this issue:

Activity levels of genetically manipulated and wild strains of Metaseiulus occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) compared as a method to assay quality

UC Research and Extension Centers: Statewide system provides local answers to local needs

Hopland celebrates 50 years of rangeland research

European grapes tested in North Coast vineyards

Research on animal-borne parasites and pathogens helps prevent human disease

Sheep research offers alternatives to improve production

Callipyge meat a tough sell

Is there a sire-dam interaction in sperm fertilizing potential?

Sheep-killing coyotes a continuing dilemma for ranchers

Targeting alphas can make coyote control more effective and socially acceptable

Agroforestry is promising for previously cleared hardwood rangelands

Monitoring shows vegetation change at multiple scales

Animals and fungi can affect goatgrass establishment

Plant species provide vital ecosystem functions for sustainable agriculture, rangeland management and restoration

Australian varieties improve pasture in long-term annual legume trials

Watershed research examines rangeland management effects on water quality