Management
G. sarothrae is among one of the most widespread and damaging rangeland weeds, and can displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. This displacement may be caused by livestock grazing, drought, or fire suppression. G. sarothrae quickly invades overgrazed rangeland, as cattle often leave it untouched while overgrazing grasses. Because of this, an abundance of G. sarothrae is considered to be an indicator of rangeland deterioration. It is a fire intolerant species, and is severely harmed or killed by fire; immediately after a fire it may be completely removed from an area. However, seeds can remain viable if in the soil, often causing G. sarothrae densities to increase after a fire. This may make it necessary to burn at five to ten year intervals in order to reduce its populations.
Herbicide effectiveness is variable; when herbicide application is effective, populations are controlled for up to five years. Mechanical control is generally ineffective; hoeing the plants just below the soil can be effective, but may be impractical in stony soil. Biological control has also been studied, with a combination of an Argentinean root-boring weevil, Heilipodus ventralis, and an Argentinean moth root-borer, Carmenta haematica, found to be an effective method of control.
Read more about this topic: Gutierrezia Sarothrae
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