Michael Ralphs, Rangeland Scientist

              Poisonous Plant Research Lab                                                     1150 E 1400 N                               

    N Logan, UT 84341    

  (435)752-2941

Education

PhD    1983   Range Science (Grazing Management); Texas A&M University

MS     1977    Range Economics; Utah State University

BS     1973    Range Science; Utah State University

 

Sheep grazing cattle before larkspur	Sampling locoweed for population studies	Crooked calf grazing lupine	Cattle grazing broom snakeweed as a biological control

Research Projects:

• Evaluate grazing behavior of cattle with respect to poisonous plants: larkspur, locoweed, lupine, broom snakeweed
• Target livestock grazing to control poisonous and noxious weeds
• Evaluate herbicide and biological controls of poisonous plants
• Assess ecology and population cycles of poisonous plants
• Determine environmental influences on toxin concentrations in plants
• Provide management recommendation to reduce risk of poisoning and enhance sufficient use of rangelands.

Significant Accomplishments:

••          Developed herbicide control recommendations for larkspur, locoweed, and lupine.

••          Developed management recommendations to reduce risk of locoweed poisoning.

••          Developed biological tools to reduce risk of poisoning:

••          Larkspur mired to deter grazing of larkspur

••          Sheep grazing larkspur before cattle

••          Conditioned food aversion

••          Seed cool-season grasses to prevent reinvasion of loco and snakeweed and provide alternative feed.

••          Described snakeweed seedling ecology that drives its population outbreaks.