The exotic winter annual grass Bromus tectorum (downy brome or cheatgrass) infests large expanses of western rangelands.
Two weed-suppressive bacteria strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, known as ACK55 and D7, have been shown to reduce these exotic grass populations in eastern Washington, yet little is known about the efficacy of these or other weed-suppressive bacteria in other areas. Researchers tested the effects of ACK55 and D7 on Bromus tectorum both in the laboratory and at field sites in Montana and Wyoming. The bacteria strains reduced Bromus tectorum germination and root and shoot lengths in Petri-plates, but had no effect on plants during growth chamber plant-soil bioassays or field experiments. Bromus arvensis, a species similar to Bromus tectorum, was also unaffected by the weed-suppressive bacteria. Findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that the ACK55 and D7 are not reliable tools for controlling Bromus tectorum in the Northern Great Plains, Central Rocky Mountains, and elsewhere.
Reinhart, K.O., Carlson, C.H., Feris, K.P., Germino, M.J., Jandreau, C.J., Lazarus, B.E., Mangold, J., Pellatz, D.W., Ramsey, P., Rinella, M.J., Valliant, M., 2019, Weed-suppressive bacteria fails to control Bromus tectorum under field conditions: Rangeland Ecology and Management, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2019.07.006
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Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum ) and medusahead ( Taeniatherum caput-medusae), are one of the most significant stressors to rangeland ecosystems in the western U.S. Their expansion and dominance across this area are the most damaging ecosystem agents on this iconic landscape.Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory (FRESC)
We produce basic and applied science needed to manage landscapes in ways that make them resistant and resilient to stressors such as wildfire, exotic plant invasions, drought, and temperature extremes. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and functioning and pose costly risks to human health and safety in the western United States. We team with other state and federal agencies to find... - Partners
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