Weed-suppressive bacteria have no effect on exotic or native plants in sagebrush-steppe

Rangeland Ecology & Management
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Abstract

Approaches and techniques for control of exotic annual grasses are a high priority in rangelands including sagebrush steppe. Strains of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens have been proposed to be selectively pathogenic to multiple species of exotic annual grasses (“Pf,” weed-suppressive bacteria, “WSB”). However, defensible tests of the target and nontarget effects of these WSB strains in the field are needed. We evaluated the effects of D7 and MB906 strains of Pf WSB in sagebrush steppe invaded by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L), medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae L. Nevski), and other exotic annual grasses. We evaluated the WSB strains with and without herbicides (imazapic, rimsulfuron) or discing to mix surface-spray of the WSB into deeper soils, and we replicated these tests in three ecoregions that differed in soils and climate. Over 3 yr after treatment, neither WSB strain affected cover of exotic annual grasses, perennial bunchgrasses, or the total community, either with WSB alone or in combination with herbicides or discing. WSB has received considerable attention and is being applied across large rangeland areas, but the WSB strains and methods applied here were ineffective. We recommend any future use of WSB be applied in an experimental fashion, with experimental design and measurement of responses, until its effects can be proven.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Weed-suppressive bacteria have no effect on exotic or native plants in sagebrush-steppe
Series title Rangeland Ecology & Management
DOI 10.1016/j.rama.2019.10.004
Volume 73
Issue 6
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description 4 p.
First page 759
Last page 759
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