Author
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Carpinelli, Michael |
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Submitted to: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center
Publication Type: Experiment Station Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2004 Publication Date: 6/29/2004 Citation: Carpinelli, M.F. 2004. Effect of ruminal incubation on germination of perennial pepperweed seed. Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. Range Field Day Report 2004: Current Forage and Livestock Produciton Research. Special Report 1052. P. 45-46. Interpretive Summary: Perennial pepperweed is an introduced, invasive species which displaces desirable forage species in productive habitats such as flood meadows, riparian areas, and wetlands in most western states. Where chemical or mechanical control is inappropriate due to proximity to water or lack or arability, it may be possible to control perennial pepperweed by grazing. However, grazing may increase spread of perennial pepperweed if livestock ingest seeds and are moved to uninfested areas where they eventually pass the perennial pepperweed seeds. The goal of this study was to estimate the effect of grazing on the viability of perennial pepperweed seeds by incubating perennial pepperweed seeds in the rumen of steers. After incubation in the rumen or in plain water, perennial pepperweed germination increased 20-fold. These results suggest that if livestock are used to control mature pepperweed, they should be held on weed-free forage for about one week prior to being moved to uninfested areas. These results also suggest that spread of pepperweed may be reduced by controlling it in areas where its seeds may eventually be transported by water. Technical Abstract: Perennial pepperweed invades productive habitats such as flood meadows, riparian areas, and wetlands in most western states, where it displaces desirable forage species. Where chemical or mechanical control is inappropriate, it may be possible to control perennial pepperweed by grazing. However, there is a concern that livestock may ingest seeds that may then be spread to uninfested areas. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of grazing on the viability of perennial pepperweed seeds. Prior to performing a standard germination test, perennial pepperweed seeds were subjected to one of three treatments: incubated in a steer rumen for 48 hours, soaked in water for 48 hours, or kept dry. Ruminal incubation or soaking in water greatly increased germination compared to seeds that were kept dry. These results suggest that if livestock are used to control mature pepperweed, they should be held on weed-free forage for about 1 week prior to being moved to uninfested areas. These results also suggest that spread of pepperweed may be reduced by controlling it in areas where its seeds may eventually be transported by water. |
