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Control of Invasive Weeds with Prescribed Burning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Joseph M. Ditomaso*
Affiliation:
University of California, Department of Plant Sciences, Mail Stop 4, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
Matthew L. Brooks
Affiliation:
Western Ecological Researach Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Henderson, NV 89074
Edith B. Allen
Affiliation:
University of California, Botany and Plant Science, 2129 Batchelor Hall, Riverside, CA 92521
Ralph Minnich
Affiliation:
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 6105 Airport Road, Redding, CA 96002
Peter M. Rice
Affiliation:
Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
Guy B. Kyser
Affiliation:
University of California, Department of Plant Sciences, Mail Stop 4, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: jmditomaso@ucdavis.edu

Abstract

Prescribed burning has primarily been used as a tool for the control of invasive late-season annual broadleaf and grass species, particularly yellow starthistle, medusahead, barb goatgrass, and several bromes. However, timely burning of a few invasive biennial broadleaves (e.g., sweetclover and garlic mustard), perennial grasses (e.g., bluegrasses and smooth brome), and woody species (e.g., brooms and Chinese tallow tree) also has been successful. In many cases, the effectiveness of prescribed burning can be enhanced when incorporated into an integrated vegetation management program. Although there are some excellent examples of successful use of prescribed burning for the control of invasive species, a limited number of species have been evaluated. In addition, few studies have measured the impact of prescribed burning on the long-term changes in plant communities, impacts to endangered plant species, effects on wildlife and insect populations, and alterations in soil biology, including nutrition, mycorrhizae, and hydrology. In this review, we evaluate the current state of knowledge on prescribed burning as a tool for invasive weed management.

Information

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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