An ArcView-Based Application for the Management of Noxious Weed Species in Wyoming


Joshua H. Johnson
Jeffrey D. Hamerlinck
John H. Gillham

University of Wyoming




Abstract

This paper describes the development of a GIS-based expert system tool for modeling the presence and spread of five noxious weed species in Wyoming (Leafy Spurge, Spotted Knapweed, Perennial Pepperweed, Hoary Cress, and Black Henbane). This tool is designed to perform three functions: determine the potential for weeds to exist in an environment; determine where these plants are likely to spread based on weed characteristics; and assist in generating reports that will help decision-making and weed control efforts.




Introduction

In the western United States, millions of acres of once healthy and productive federal, state and private rangelands, forestlands and riparian areas have been overrun by noxious or invasive weeds. These species adversely impact plant and animal diversity, threatened and endangered species, waterfowl and neotropical migratory bird habitat, and opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping and other recreational activities. Weed management costs millions of dollars annually in treatment. Loss of productivity to private landowners may be significant, with the grazing capacity of weed-infested land reduced by up to 75% (Sheley et. al, 1999).

In order to attempt management of weeds, field technicians conduct weed surveys. The purpose of these surveys is to help managers:

  1. Determine the location of weeds for eradication and future monitoring;
  2. Plan, optimize, and facilitate management efforts;
  3. Assess economic impacts of weed invasion and dominance on lands;
  4. Determine which environments or sites are potentially subject to weed invasion;
  5. Determine invasion dynamics and the means by which weeds spread;
  6. Develop predictive models, so sites that may have been invaded can be more easily identified and search time for new invasions reduced;
  7. Better understand the biology and ecology of weed species;
  8. Increase public awareness, education, and weed management efforts.

This information is often displayed on maps showing weed distribution and the relative severity of the infestation. Mapping simplifies communication among people working with weeds, especially those implementing control measures. Survey data can be combined with other data, within a GIS, to increase their utility (Johnson, 1999). It may even be possible to combine GIS and remote sensing technology and forego much of the field survey practice.

One of the biggest problems facing resource managers has been tracking locations where severe weed problems exist. That is mostly due to the need to stretch limited funding to assess these sometimes swift and widespread weed invasions. Effectively determining and focusing on the weed "hotspots" will allow managers to better control weed infestations at a lower cost. A Geographic Information System (GIS) offers a solution to this problem by helping land managers pinpoint problem areas using available spatial digital data while minimizing the need for and the expense of field-based weed assessments.

This paper outlines the development of the Weed Invasion Susceptibility Prediction (WISP) Modeler, an ArcView 3.2 extension developed to assist environmental managers in determining the potential for selected noxious weed infestation and dispersion in Wyoming. WISP Modeler is currently in alpha version and is anticipated to be released for general use in 2002.

The WISP Modeler was initially developed to assist the USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in managing weed infestations in the Jack Morrow Hills Wilderness study area near Rock Springs, Wyoming. The primary result was an ArcView application that will help predict the occurrence and spread of five weed species within semiarid rangelands: black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), hoary cress (Cardaria draba), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), and spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa).

Overview

The objective of this project was to develop a tool that would help the BLM identify weed infestation hot spots so that management efforts and resources could be concentrated more efficiently. The BLM recognized that using GIS would allow them to accomplish their goals and save range managers’ time. Using Avenue programming, WISP Modeler was designed to use nine environmental factors to determine the potential for a weed to exist in an area. WISP Modeler consists of two main modules, called the Susceptibility Prediction Model and the Spread Model.

The Susceptibility Prediction Model

This part of WISP Modeler uses nine environmental and land use characteristics to determine the potential for a weed to establish and survive in a particular setting. Factors were determined to be the most important to the suitability of land to support a weed are:

The predictive model goes through the following process to derive a final grid that depicts the potential for a weed to exist in certain areas.

  1. Use the weed database to query each input theme. The result is a series of Boolean grids that have a value of 1 for areas that meet the criteria and 0 for areas that do not.
  2. Add the query results together using map algebra. The result is a grid with values ranging from 0 – 9, with 9 having the highest potential for weed growth and establishment.

The Weed Spread Model

After the susceptibility has been determined for an area, the spread model uses the spread factor in the weed database, in conjunction with the susceptibility, to determine the annual spread of that species. The process is outlined below:

  1. Use the existing infestation polygon theme, in conjunction with the potential grid to determine the average potential for the infested area.
  2. Multiply the average potential by the weed spread factor to get a buffer distance that reflects the potential spread of that weed in a year.
  3. Repeat this process on the results from each year, typically resulting in smaller buffers as the average potential decreases.

Weed Species

There are several weed species that are known to affect Wyoming, with five of them being of special concern to the BLM. These are spotted knapweed, hoary cress, black henbane, perennial pepperweed, and leafy spurge. This section describes each weed species used in the development of WISP Modeler.

Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) was introduced from Eurasia as a contaminant of alfalfa and clover seed. It is ranked as the number one weed problem on rangeland in western Montana (Whitson, 1996). Other western states, including Wyoming (USDA 2000), are experiencing a reduction in desirable plant communities as this species is allowed to spread. Knapweeds are considered a disturbance plant, which means that they readily establish themeselves on any disturbed soil. Additionally, their early spring growth makes them competitive for soil moisture and nutrients. There is some evidence that knapweeds release chemical substances which inhibit surrounding vegetation. This species is best controlled when herbicides are applied during early growth stages (Whitson, 1996).

Hoary cress (Cardaria draba), also known as whitetop, is a perennial that is common on alkaline, disturbed soils and is highly competitive with other species once it becomes established. Just like knapweeds, hoary cress starts growth very early in the spring. Hoary cress can be effectively controlled with herbicides (Whitson, 1996).

Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is a native of southern Europe and western Asia but is now found in many parts of the United States. It has been declared noxious in a number of western states. Deep-seated rootstocks and a waxy coating on the leaves and stem make this weed difficult to control. Perennial pepperweed grows in waste places, wet areas, ditches, roadsides, and cropland (Whitson, 1996).

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is native to Eurasia and was brought into the United States as a seed impurity about 1827. However, it seems to be a serious problem only in North America where it infests almost 2.5 million acres, mostly in southern Canada and the northcentral United States. It has been reported to cause severe irritation of the mouth and digestive tract in cattle which may result in death. Capsules explode when dry, often projecting seeds as far as 15 feet. Seeds may be viable in the soil for at least 8 years. This, and an extensive root system containing large nutrient reserves, make this weed extremely difficult to control (Whitson, 1996).

Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is a native of Europe and has been cultivated as an ornamental plant. It has spread throughout the United States and is a common weed of pastures, fencerows, roadsides, and waste areas. Black henbane contains hyoscyamine and other alkaloids which have caused occasional livestock poisoning. However, the plant is usually not grazed by animals and is consumed only when more palatable forage is not available. Henbane alkaloids have been used in the past, and are currently used, as medicines at controlled dosages. It is considered a poisonous plant to humans (Whitson, 1996).

Database Development

The foundation for all functions in WISP Modeler is a database that contains all the suitable environmental characteristics for each weed: soil texture and pH, distance from direct water sources and disturbances, annual precipitation, associated land cover, elevation, slope, and aspect. Also included are weed propagation factors such as the weed life cycle (biennial, perennial), spread rate and seed life span (Table 1). All of the weed characteristics were compiled from existing literature and recent studies of the five troublesome weed species. Resource managers can expand the utility of this extension by merely adding the appropriate information for new weed species.

SPP_CODE

COM_NAME

SCI_NAME

WTR_SRC

LOW_EL

HIGH_EL

LANDCOV1

LOW_PH

HIGH_PH

SOILTEX1

SLOPE

DISTURB

ASPECT1

PRECIP

LIF_CYCL

RATE_SPD

SEED_LIF

HYSNI

Black henbane

Hyoscyamus niger

3333

1524

2743

SG

7.7

8.2

SL

36

16

S

4

B

27

4

EPHES

Leafy spurge

Euphorbia esula

500

1156

2343

RP

6.8

8.4

SL

36

400

S

8

P

7

8

LEPLA

Perennial pepperwe

Lepidium latifloiu

33

305

2591

SG

7.6

8.7

CL

36

3333

S

3

P

27

CENMA

Spotted knapweed

Centaurea maculosa

1200

578

3040

SG

6.5

8.4

S

36

300

S

8

P

14

15

CADDR

Hoary cress

Cardaria draba

3333

1219

2896

SG

7.5

8.7

SL

36

16

S

3

P

27

3


Table 1 -- Weed Characteristics Database

Data Availability

The weed susceptibility factors used in WISP Modeler were determined in part by available spatial data and resources. Below is a description of data available for this project. All data listed below are available for the state of Wyoming. Additional data for the JMH area were supplied by the Wyoming State Office of the BLM.

Application Development

ArcView 3.2, Spatial Analyst and Avenue were used to develop this application. It was determined that ArcView 3.2 and Spatial Analyst would be available to most users of WISP Modeler, particularly those in the BLM field offices. ArcView would also provide an easy-to-use desktop environment for land managers that are not proficient in GIS.

We took a semi-modular approach to building this extension. The database stands alone and can be modified to increase of the number of weed species WISP Modeler can model. This allows weed managers to expand the scope of WISP Modeler without needing to do additional computer programming. In addition, the user can develop any model input layers that they wish to use in their project -- as better data become available, they can be used to model weed existence and spread with greater accuracy. Because of this design, WISP Modeler will not become quickly obsolete, as happens to many applications.

WISP Modeler has a slightly customized Graphical User Interface (GUI). This simply adds one dropdown menu to the View, with several new menu items. This extension also relies on Spatial Analyst because of its use of grids to perform most of the modeling.

Figure 1 shows the GUI for WISP Modeler. In addition to the standard ArcView and Spatial Analyst tools and menus, the display consists of a dropdown menu entitled Weed Modeling. Figure 2 shows this menu in more detail.




Figure 1 -- WISP Modeler GUI




Figure 2 -- Weed Modeling Menu

The options under the Weed Modeling menu include the following:

Load Databases
The weed matrix is the information base for WISP Modeler and is where all the information about each weed species is stored. The study area database has pre-defined study areas and a file name for each study area boundary theme. These databases are loaded as Table documents and used for many of WISP Modeler’s primary functions.

Load Model Input Layers
Before calculating a weed existence potential model or a weed spread model, data needs to be added to the View. Loading these model input layers will give the model the parameters it needs to perform all of its calculations. Pre-existing default layers or other tailored data can be loaded here. There is also the option of adding themes manually.




Figure 3 -- Load Model Input Layers Dialog

Define Study Area
After loading model input data, a study area must be defined in order for the model to work correctly. This often reduces processing time by defining a more manageable analysis focus. The definition of the study area can be done one of two ways; by selecting a study area from the database, or by defining a rectangle in the View. If a rectangle is defined in the View, a new shapefile will be created and the file name will be added to the study area database.




Figure 4 -- Define Study Area Dialog

Create Disturbance Layer
Because there are a variety of sources for disturbance, a composite disturbance layer needs to be developed separately. This tool will allow the user to develop such a layer from a variety of data sources -- point, line or polygon. Examples of disturbances are oil and gas well pads, roads, and livestock trails. This function takes each of the selected input themes and buffers them with the appropriate distance from the weed database. The output is a Boolean grid that represents that buffer distance.




Figure 5 -- Create Disturbance Layer Dialog

Create Water Source Layer
Creating a water source layer works the same way as creating a disturbance theme. This creates a Boolean grid that shows where weeds are likely to thrive in reference to water sources.




Figure 6 -- Create Water Source Layer Dialog

Calculate Existence Potential
The existence potential is the likelihood that a weed species will be found in a particular area. This is rated from 0 - 9, with 0 being the least likely to sustain that specific weed and 9 being the most likely. This model adds nine factors -- elevation, slope, aspect, soil pH, soil texture, distance from water sources, distance from disturbances, annual precipitation, and land cover -- to compute the final potential.




Figure 7 -- Calculate Existence Potential Dialog

Load Weed Potential Layer
If a weed existence potential model has already been run, this option can be used to load that theme. The theme is named Potential for <species>, where <species> is the name of the species in question. This theme can then be used in the spread calculation.

Load Existing Infestations
This option loads a theme with existing infestations. This can be from a mapped invasion area or GPS data. Any type of feature theme - point, line, or polygon - can be loaded, but the spread model will only work with polygon themes. Thus, the user would need to buffer points or lines.

Weed Spread Calculation
This predicts the spread of noxious weeds in one-year intervals up to 25 years. The years displayed in the View are 1-5, 10, 15, 20, and 25. This model uses the weed existence potential and the current infestations to develop a grid that shows the spread of a weed for each year.

Generate Report
Once the weed existence potential and current infestations are loaded, a report can be generated for that species, either in MS Word or Crystal Reports. The report will have some basic statistics - for example, the percentage of the study area infested by that species. The report will also have information on the ecology, spread, and control of that species, if it is available.

Edit Weed Characteristics
Use this function if a new species needs to be added to the database or the characteristics of a species already in the table need to be changed. This is also useful for calibrating the environmental characteristics of different weed species.

Case Study


The Jack Morrow Hills Wilderness Area (JMH) encompasses 700,000 acres of high-elevation cold desert in southwestern Wyoming (Figure 8). This ecosystem contains a variety of unusual habitats of critical significance to native game animals and sensitive plant and animal species, as well as a number of valuable natural resources (Jones and Fertig, 1996). Additionally, there are known invasions of perennial pepperweed, hoary cress, and black henbane in the JMH area.




Figure 8 -- JMH study area in Wyoming

Perennial pepperweed was recently mapped in the JMH wilderness area using GPS. Thus, it was used for the development and testing of WISP Modeler. The entire modeling process is described in detail below.

  1. Load Model Input Layers -- the first step is to load the input layers that will be used to calculate the potential. Elevation, soil pH, soil texture, land cover, streams, annual precipitation, and roads were loaded using the dialog box. Data from the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) and oil and gas wells were added as extra water sources and disturbances, respectively.
  2. Define Study Area -- the next step was to define the study area. Since there was a pre-existing coverage of the JMH boundary, it was selected in the dialog box. As a result, the View analysis environment was set to the extent of JMH.
  3. Develop Disturbance Layer -- roads and oil and gas wells are known to be disturbances in the JMH area. These were merged using the Create Disturbance Layer dialog. For perennial pepperweed, the weed database lists 3333 meters for disturbances. This means that perennial pepperweed can potentially grow anywhere within a 3333-meter buffer around a disturbance, which indicates this species is not very reliant upon disturbances to flourish. The result is a grid derived from the collective buffer of the input layers, which is added to the View.
  4. Develop Water Sources Layer -- streams and NWI data were used to indicate persistent water sources in the JMH study area. These were merged using the Create Water Source Layer dialog. Perennial pepperweed, according to the database, will typically be found within 33 meters of a water source, indicating a dependence on moisture in order to survive. The result is a grid derived from the collective buffer of the input theme, which is added to the View.
  5. Model the Susceptibility Potential -- each input theme is queried and added together to produce a final susceptibility ranking for the study area. Output ranges from 0 to 9, with 9 being most susceptible to the growth of perennial pepperweed. Following is a summary of the processing of each input theme. Depending on the speed of your computer, the size of your study area, and the resolution of your data, the following process can take minutes or hours.


  6. All Boolean grids were added to the View and added together with map algebra. The result was a single grid that showed a range of susceptibility potential for the JMH study area (Figure).




    Figure 9 -- Susceptibility for Perennial Pepperweed in the JMH Study Area

  7. Load Infestations -- infestations of perennial pepperweed on the JMH site were mapped using GPS. These data were collected as lines, which were buffered using the infestation width estimated in the field. The result was a polygon theme showing the extent of perennial pepperweed infestation. This theme was loaded in to the View so the spread model could be processed.



  8. Figure 10 -- Perennial Pepperweed Infestations Shown With Highest Susceptibility (9) in the JMH Study Area

  9. Model the Spread -- the spread of perennial pepperweed was modeled using the infestations from Step 6 and the susceptibility potential from Step 5. Spread was modeled for 5 years following the infestation. The model creates a grid for each of the 5 years and adds them to the View (figure 11).



  10. Figure 11 -- 5-year Spread Prediction for Perennial Pepperweed in the JMH Study Area

  11. Generate Report -- an MS Word report was generated on perennial pepperweed. It included the area infested (existing and future estimated), the study area acreage, a description of the weed, and control measures (Appendix A).

WISP Modeler shows that there are 115.64 acres in the JMH study area that show the highest potential for perennial pepperweed infestation. This means that there were 115.64 acres in which all 9 input factors were present. From the GPS mapping effort, there were an estimated 33 acres of land infested with perennial pepperweed in 2000. The spread model more than doubles this to predict over 68 acres infested after one year. Until more data on perennial pepperweed are collected this summer, it will be unknown whether or not this number is accurate. The Department of Renewable Resources, however, conducted some accuracy testing in other areas of the state and determined that WISP Modeler predicted the spread of leafy spurge with 89% accuracy.

Summary and Conclusions

The result of this work is a good prototype tool for the BLM. Representatives from the BLM are currently evaluating its usefulness and plan to continue to improve WISP Modeler through cooperative efforts with the University of Wyoming.

In its current stage of development, WISP Modeler is not yet a true expert system tool. It would be beneficial to land managers to move this application into that realm because it would provide more assistance in the decision-making process. Second, some utilities can be modified so they follow more intuitive spatial analysis methods. Alternatively, a similar application can be developed to utilize the more flexible programming capabilities of the ArcGIS platform. As GIS improves its capability to use remote sensing data, this can also be incorporated into WISP Modeler.

The predictive model could be improved by conducting additional research on placing weight on different environmental factors. The current version of WISP Modeler places the same emphasis on all input data, which may or may not be accurate. The spread model could be enhanced by developing a method to model weed transportation vectors (wind, water, wildlife), as well as incorporating the weed life cycle and seed life. Additionally, the spread model simply estimates the average expansion of an infestation and does not account for more growth in one direction than another.

Lastly, model accuracy can be tested as more digital spatial data become available for existing weed infestations in Wyoming. With several years of data available, the model can be calibrated to give the best results possible.

Maintenance and Distribution

Each user of the application can maintain the weed database. Furthermore, there is potential to develop a web forum for the exchange of new weed species information. This would be available at either http://www.sdvc.uwyo.edu/WISP or http://w3.uwyo.edu/~annhild/WISP.html. You can visit either of these web pages for updates.

As WISP Modeler is still a prototype, the BLM is currently evaluating its utility and accuracy. An alpha version is available to anyone who wishes to test it. Enhancements to this extension will occur as funding allows. Meanwhile, it will only be available upon request, on CD-ROM, from the College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service on the University of Wyoming Campus. The final version of the WISP Modeler extension will also be available on the SDVC web pages at http://www.sdvc.uwyo.edu/WISP.

Acknowledgements

Funding for this project was provided by the Wyoming State Office of the USDI Bureau of Land Management. The authors of this paper wish to extend special thanks to Bruce Keating of the Wyoming State Office of the BLM and Dr. Ann Hild of the University of Wyoming Department of Renewable Resources for their assistance and guidance during this project.

Appendix A -- Sample Report for Perennial Pepperweed

Perennial pepperweed

Lepidium latifolium

Analysis Date: March 2, 2001

Statistics
Total study area: 617455.42 acres
Area of highest potential: 115.64 acres
Percentage of area w/ high potential: 0.00019%
Area of infestation: 33.01 acres
Percentage of area w/ infestation: 0.00005%

Species Description

Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium L.), a plant often used by florists for both fresh and dried flower arrangements, is a serious invader that is quickly taking over the West. Spreading into marshes, pastures, and riparian areas, it creates monocultures and degrades the value and utilization of the land. There are about 175 species of Lepidium, but none of the native or introduced species found in western North America are very similar to perennial pepperweed (Young et al. 1995). Relatively little is known about L. latifolium other than its devastating effects on the areas it invades. A very competitive species, it typically creates thick monocultures that are too dense for other plants to survive and thus dominates the sites. In riparian zones, it interferes with the regeneration of many species such as willows and cottonwoods. It drastically alters the species composition and productivity of important herbaceous species in wetland areas (Young et al. 1995). The accumulation of thick, woody stems hinders nesting habitats for wildlife (Young et al. 1995). Perennial pepperweed also poses a tremendous risk to hay producers and ranchers. In areas such as the Humbolt River Valley in Nevada, hay meadows are being dominated by perennial pepperweed. It lowers the protein content and digestibility of hay (Young et al. 1995). Although little research has examined the species for toxins, it is a persistent rumor among livestock producers that L. latifolium may have poisonous qualities (Young et al. 1995; MSU 1999). Young et al. (1995) suggests that most cases of suspected poisoning occurred when horses were feed infested hay under confined conditions. Regardless, perennial pepperweed is a noxious species that poses a considerable threat to land managers.

Ecology and Spread

Lepidium latifolium is thought to have been introduced into the United States from either southern Europe or western Asia around 1900 as a contaminant of sugar beet seeds (Krueger and Sheley 1999; Miller et al. 1986). This Wyoming-listed noxious species (USDA 2000) is well established in New England, the West, and in Mexico (Young et al. 1995). In the past two decades, this weed has greatly increased its distribution throughout the western U.S., and is present in all western states except Arizona. It is particularly prevalent in Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and California. Sixteen counties in Wyoming and sixteen counties in Utah report perennial pepperweed invasions (Krueger and Sheley 1999). Within the Intermountain West, the species distribution is associated primarily with stream systems and riparian zones. However, perennial pepperweed is not limited to these sites and is known to be found in ditches, roadsides, waste areas, and pastures as well (Krueger and Sheley 1999). L. latifolium is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is a vigorously spreading, root-creeping species that initially establishes from seeds or root fragments (Young et al. 1998). The plants are stiffly erect masses of stems generally from 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9m) tall, although they can reach heights up to 8 feet (2.4m) under wet conditions. It has a thin woody basal stem with a tuft of leaves and flowers spreading out at the top. The leaves are toothed, tapered, and 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.54cm) wide. Flowers are quite abundant on this plant and are arranged in dense panicles of 6 to 8 flowers per cluster. Mid-summer blooms are a brilliant white, causing the species to be given a frequently used name of 'Tall whitetop' (Young et al. 1995). Seeds are produced in small, flattened pods about one eighth inch (3mm) in diameter and are normally a reddish brown color with an oval outline. Seeds do not dehisce from their pods at maturity, but rather fall at irregular intervals throughout the winter. There is no inherent dormancy system within the pepperweed seeds and buried seeds of perennial pepperweed may not be a prolonged source of reinfestation once a population is controlled (Miller et al. 1986). The species is very tolerant to saline soils, but is not limited to them (Young et al. 1995).The abiotic requirements for perennial pepperweed are a mystery because very little research documents environmental conditions required for this weed to establish. The Colorado Weed Management Association (CWMA 1999) lists pepperweed as having an elevation range from 5,500 to 8,000 feet (1,676 to 2,438 m) in central Colorado. This weed obviously has lower elevation ranges than 5,500 feet on coastal marsh invasions, so theoretically it could establish lower even in Wyoming. L. latifolium does not seem to require disturbance for establishment. While there is some evidence that poor condition riparian areas or pastures could be more susceptible to perennial pepperweed invasion (MSU 1999), it does not seem to be a prerequisite for this species.

Options for Control

Controlling this species is a difficult task because of its deep rootstocks and capacity for vegetative propagation. Because it generally establishes very close to surface water, control options are severely limited. Mechanical control methods are not recommended. Digging, mowing, or tilling encourages new root sprouts (Young et al. 1995). Varieties of herbicide treatments have been established to help control this weed. However, labels should be checked and strictly followed when dealing with any open water situations. For areas away from open water, control is much more feasible. Farmers have traditionally applied Glyphosate or 2,4-D (amine or low volatile ester formulations). These herbicides have profound effects on the aerial portions of perennial pepperweed plants, but do little to control the persistent underground portions, which often resprout again in the year following application (Young et al. 1998). Sulfonylurea compounds such as cholorosulfuron (Telar®) or metsulfuron (Escort®) have both proven to be more effective on perennial pepperweed control by greatly reducing sprouting from roots (MSU 1999; Young et al. 1995, 1998). Chlorosulfuron should be applied at one ounce per acre during bud to early bloom stage on non-cropland sites. Metsulfuron has been sufficient at one ounce per acre as well and should be applied before bud and bloom stages (but while still actively growing) (MSU 1999). Both herbicides should be mixed with a nonionic surfactant and used within 24 hours after mixing (Whitson et al. 1999). Neither of these chemicals is registered for use in open-water areas, but could be used in suppressing populations in such areas as native hay meadows (Young et al. 1998). No biological control agents have been approved for pepperweed at this time, because several valuable crops such as canola and cabbage that belong to the Mustard family may be damaged by control agents. As with most control programs, revegetation is a vital part in order to keep perennial pepperweed from reestablishing or dominating.

References and Information

CWMA 1999. CWMA - Colorado Weed Management Association. http://www.cwma.org Colorado Weed Management Association, Granby, Colorado.

Krueger, Jane and R. Sheley. 1999. Perennial Pepperweed. http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9906.html Montana State University Extension Service, Bozeman, Montana.

Miller, Gerald K., J. Young, and R. Evans. 1986. Germination of seeds of perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium). Weed Science 34:252-255.

MSU 1999. Montana guide - perennial pepperweed. http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9906.html. Montana State University Extension Service, Bozeman, Montana.

USDA 2000. United states department of agriculture regulated noxious weeds state list. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/npb/statenw.html USDA, Baltimore, MD.

Whitson, Tom D., R. Stougaard, and S. Dewey. 1999. Weed management handbook: Montana, Utah, Wyoming. University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service, Laramie, Wyoming.

Young, James A., C. Turner, E. Charles, and L. James. 1995. Perennial pepperweed. Rangelands 17(4):121-123.

Young, James A., D. Palmquist, and R. Blank. 1998. The ecology and control of perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium L.). Weed Technology 12:402-405.



References

Johnson, D.E. 1999. Surveying, Mapping, and Monitoring Noxious Weeds on Rangelands. In: Biology and Management of Noxious Rangeland Weeds, Corvallis, OR.

Jones, G. and W. Fertig. 1996. Plant Associations and Plant Species of Special Concern in the Jack Morrow Hills Ecosystem. Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, Laramie, WY.

Sheley, R., J. Petroff, M. Borman, editors. 1999. Biology and Management of Noxious Rangeland Weeds, Corvallis, OR.

United States Department of Agriculture. 2000. United states department of agriculture regulated noxious weeds state list. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/npb/statenw.html USDA, Baltimore, MD.

Whitson, T.D. (editor). 1996. Weeds of the west. Western Society of Weed Science, Newark, California.



Author Information

Joshua H. Johnson
Assistant Research Scientist
Spatial Data and Visualization Center
University of Wyoming
PO Box 4008
Laramie, WY 82071
Ph: (307) 766-2532
Fax: (307) 766-2744
E-mail: mapman@uwyo.edu

Jeffrey D. Hamerlinck
Interim Director and Research Scientist
Spatial Data and Visualization Center
University of Wyoming
PO Box 4008
Laramie, WY 82071
E-mail: itasca@uwyo.edu

John H. Gillham
Graduate Student
Department of Renewable Resources
University of Wyoming
PO Box 3354
Laramie, WY 82071
E-mail: john_gillham@hotmail.com