ARS | Publication request: Solutions to locoweed poisoning in New Mexico and the Western United States

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 22, 2009
Publication Date: December 1, 2009
Citation: Graham, D., Creamer, R., Cook, D., Stegelmeier, B.L., Welch, K.D., Pfister, J.A., Panter, K.E., Cibils, A., Ralphs, M.H., Encinias, M., Mc Daniel, K., Thompson, D., Gardner, K. 2009. Solutions to locoweed poisoning in New Mexico and the Western United States. Rangelands. 31(6):3-8.

Interpretive Summary: The knowledge generated from the above research allows ranchers to manage around locoweed and reduce the risk of poisoning and catastrophic livestock loss. Critical periods were identified in spring and fall when locoweeds are relatively more palatable than dormant grass. Restricting access to locoweed-infested areas during these periods will prevent most poisoning. Ranchers should save “clean” pastures for these critical periods, or create them using the herbicide recommendations that have been provided. Knowledge that the four-lined weevil will kill most woolly locoweed populations within 2-3 years, provides hope and direction in managing around woolly locoweed. If losses are high and locoweed populations are persistent, cattle and horses can be trained to avoid eating locoweed through conditioned food aversion.

Technical Abstract: A collaborative locoweed research effort between New Mexico State University and the USDA/ARS Poison Plant Lab was initiated in 1990 as a result of a “grass root” producer effort and a congressional appropriation, thanks to the efforts of NM Congressman Joe Skeen. A symposium was held at the SRM annual meeting in Albuquerque NM (2009) to highlight the research and present solutions to locoweed poisoning that have been developed. This paper presents highlights of that symposium.