- Author: Elise S Gornish
- Author: Travis M. Bean
USDA-ARS researchers at Oregon and Washington State Universities have recently publicized* the results of a long-term field trials investigating the utility of native soil bacteria for selective control for the invasive annual grasses cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum, also known as “downy brome”), jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica), and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae).
Research into this new management tool started in the 1980s in eastern Washington when Pseudomonas (a common genus of soil bacteria native to much of the western United States and elsewhere) was found on the roots of winter wheat that had demonstrated poor early spring growth (but without...
- Author: Elise S Gornish
One of the most devastating characteristics of invasive plants is their ability to enhance further invasion by con- and heterospecifics, as well as to limit native recolonization into previously invaded areas. Invasives can accomplish this through a variety of ways that include the modification of nutrient cycling dynamics, a change of water availability, the attraction of novel herbivores, and an increase in soil acidity. One of the most common ways that invasives enhance further invasion is through the modification of the soil microbiome (the bacterial and fungal community). This has direct relevance for management because if an invasive plant is cultivating a soil microbiome that facilitates future invasion and restricts native...
- Author: Elise S Gornish
Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) is an invasive annual winter grass that currently infests 17 western US states, causing massive economic and environmental damage. One of the biggest challenges associated with Medusahead control is providing access of the latest relevant research describing field trial outcomes to stakeholders such as land managers and practitioners who typically do not utilize peer-reviewed literature. To address this need, several members of UC Cooperative Extension (Elise Gornish, Restoration Specialist; Theresa Bechetti, Farm Advisor; and Josh Davy, Livestock Advisor) developed a presentation (Power Point slides + notes) that anyone can use to teach clientele about the history and current...