Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) Outperforms Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides) through Interference and Growth Rate

• DOI: 10.1614/ipsm-07-021.1
• Publication Date: 2008-02-04T18:39:18Z
• Authors: K. Young; J. Mangold
• Keywords: Dominance (genetics); Elymus; Seedbed

Abstract Understanding the ecological processes that foster invasion and dominance by medusahead is central to its management. The objectives of this study were (1) quantify compare interference between squirreltail under different concentrations soil nitrogen (N) phosphorous (P) (2) growth rates field N P availabilities. We grew in an addition series a greenhouse applied one four nutrient treatments weekly: low (no or added), high (added 250 ml 600 µM solution form calcium phosphate), (3) 8,400 forms nitrate potassium nitrate), (4) solutions as listed above for P). After 70 d density biomass species sampled. also individual plants control conditions. Biomass, leaf area, root length determined each at 14-d intervals over 72 d. Regression models suggested appeared be playing much larger role than species. treatment did not increase medusahead's ability relative we had hypothesized. Medusahead typically imposed two-to-seven-times stronger influence on relationships squirreltail. accumulated biomass, twice fast Results from our suggest seedlings will likely dominate seedlings. To restore medusahead-infested rangeland, densities should reduced with integrated weed management strategies. On medusahead-free prevention early detection eradication programs are critical.