Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Burns, Oregon » Range and Meadow Forage Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #222793
Title: Managing Medusahead in the Intermountain West is at a Critical Threshold

Author
item Davies, Kirk
item JOHNSON, DUSTIN - OREGON STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/25/2008
Publication Date: 8/1/2008
Citation: Davies, K.W., Johnson, D. 2008. Managing Medusahead in the Intermountain West is at a Critical Threshold. Rangelands. 30:13-15.

Interpretive Summary: Medusahead invasion of Intermountain West rangelands reduces grazing capacity, degrades wildlife habitat, decreases biodiversity, and alters ecosystem functions. Medusahead invasion is at a critical threshold, either a large effort it is initiated to prevent its invasion of new areas or millions of hectares will be lost. Prevention of medusahead invasions should focus on three factors: 1) preventing medusahead seeds from dispersing to new locations, 2) increasing the resistance of desirable plant communities to medusahead invasion, and 3) searching for and eradicating new infestations. Initiating an endeavor to prevent and control new medusahead infestations will protect the economical and ecological yield of vast acreages. However, other invasive plants that have the potential to result in huge losses also need to be identified and comprehensive prevention programs will also have to be developed for these plants

Technical Abstract: Medusahead invasion of Intermountain West rangelands reduces grazing capacity, degrades wildlife habitat, decreases biodiversity, and alters ecosystem functions. Medusahead invasion is at a critical threshold, either a large effort it is initiated to prevent its invasion of new areas or millions of hectares will be lost. Prevention of medusahead invasions should focus on three factors: 1) preventing medusahead seeds from dispersing to new locations, 2) increasing the resistance of desirable plant communities to medusahead invasion, and 3) searching for and eradicating new infestations. Initiating an endeavor to prevent and control new medusahead infestations will protect the economical and ecological yield of vast acreages. However, other invasive plants that have the potential to result in huge losses also need to be identified and comprehensive prevention programs will also have to be developed for these plants