ARS | Publication request: BROMUS TECTORUM INVASION IN WESTERN NORTH AMERICA

Submitted to: African Journal of Range and Forest Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 18, 2002
Publication Date: July 27, 2004
Citation: Young, J.A., Clements, C.D. 2004. Bromus tectorum invasion in western north america rangelands. African Journal of Range and Forest Science. 20(2):174.

Interpretive Summary: Invasive species on rangelands is one of the major topic subdivisions of the program for the International Rangeland Congress. Bromus tectorum, or cheatgrass, certainly could serve as a model for annual invasive weed dominance of formerly perennial dominated rangelands. Cheatgrass has changed Intermountain ranges in North America by increasing the chance of ignition and rate of spread of wildfires. This exotic weed has truncated native plant succession through competition for moisture with seedlings.

Technical Abstract: Bromus tectorum is an exotic, self invasive weed that was accidentally introduced to the formerly Artemisia/bunchgrass rangelands of the Intermountain Area of western North America. This annual grass has changed the aspect of vast expanses of rangelands by increasing the chance of ignition and rate of spread of wildfires. Once established, Bromus tectorum closes plant communities to the establishment of seedlings of perennial species through competition for soil moisture.