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Wildlife, Animals, and Plants |
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FIRE EFFECTS
IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT:Russian knapweed is probably top-killed by fire, while the roots are likely to remain unharmed. It is not known how Russian knapweed seeds are affected by exposure to heat. Research is needed in this area. DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT:Researchers in Wyoming burned plots of Russian knapweed after first mowing them to a height of 3 to 5 inches (8-12 cm). Observations made following these treatments suggest that Russian knapweed plants were injured to a depth of 2.5-4 cm below the soil surface, and that lateral roots at the 7.5 to 15 cm depth did not appear to be injured. Russian knapweed seedheads were also burned but the seed "appeared to be viable". However, Russian knapweed seedlings were not observed after burning [14]. PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE:Russian knapweed probably sprouts from root buds after fire, and may establish from on-site seed or from seed brought on site by people, animals, or vehicles. DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE:No entry FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS:Fire as a control agent: | Russian Knapweed The only study in the literature that reports results from burning Russian knapweed states that it is not effectively controlled by burning [12]. However, the experimental methods used in this study were not clearly reported, and there was no mention of how the burning was carried out. It is stated in the introduction to this paper that Russian knapweed infested areas "must be tilled before newly established grass seedlings can survive. Without tillage, grass seedlings can survive only after Russian knapweed residues have been exposed to moisture for two growing seasons." No experimental evidence is given, however, to support this assertion [12]. If it is valid, one might consider researching the use of prescribed burning of plant residues to volatilize allelopathic compounds. Postfire colonization potential: There is no information in the literature regarding the postfire colonization potential of Russian knapweed; however, general precautions should be followed to prevent establishment after fire. The USDA Forest Service's "Guide to noxious weed prevention practices" [76] provides several fire management considerations for weed prevention in general that may apply to Russian knapweed. Wildfire managers might consider including weed prevention education and providing weed identification aids during fire training; avoiding known weed infestations when locating firelines, monitoring camps, staging areas, helibases, etc., to be sure they are kept weed free; taking care that equipment is weed free; incorporating weed prevention into fire rehabilitation plans; and acquiring restoration funding. When planning a prescribed burn, preinventory the project area and evaluate cover and phenology of any Russian knapweed present on or adjacent to the site, and avoid ignition and burning in areas at high risk for Russian knapweed establishment or spread. Avoid creating soil conditions that promote weed germination and establishment. Discuss weed status and risks in burn rehabilitation plans [76]. To prevent infestation, re-establish vegetation on bare ground as soon after fire as possible, using either natural recovery or artificial techniques as appropriate to site conditions and objectives. When reseeding after wildfires and prescribed burns, use only certified weed-free seed. Monitor the burn site and associated disturbed areas after the fire and the following spring for emergence of Russian knapweed, and treat to eradicate any emergent Russian knapweed plants. Regulate human, pack animal, and livestock entry into burned areas at risk for weed invasion until desirable site vegetation has recovered sufficiently to resist weed invasion. Additional guidelines and specific recommendations and requirements are available [76].
Related categories for SPECIES: Acroptilon repens | Russian Knapweed |
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