Foothill deathcamas is a bulbous, perennial, native forb found throughout the western United States. Deathcamas begins growth early in the spring. The lack of alternative forages at this time can result in livestock becoming poisoned from the consumption of deathcamas. Research on herbicides for deathcamas control is limited to work from the 1950s and 1960s that identified 2,4-D as a control agent. The objective of this study was to evaluate alternative herbicide options for deathcamas control that include 2,4-D, 2,4-D + triclopyr, quinclorac, aminopyralid, imazapic, and chlorsulfuron. We also investigated the impact of plant growth stage on deathcamas control by making herbicide applications at two growth stages. One set of plots was treated with herbicides when deathcamas was in the early vegetative stage and the second set was treated at flowering. There is some evidence that stress might affect alkaloid content; therefore, we monitored alkaloid content of treated and nontreated deathcamas. Plots were established at Mt. Sterling, UT, and Mt. Pleasant, UT. Deathcamas density was reduced in 2,4-D, 2,4-D + triclopyr, and imazapic treatments 1 and 2 yr after herbicide application (P < 0.0001). Compared with the pretreatment densities, deathcamas densities(± standard error of the mean) 2 yr after herbicide application were reduced 96% ± 1.4%, 100% ± 0%, and 98% ± 0.9% for 2,4-D, 2,4-D + triclopyr, and imazapic, respectively, at the Mt. Sterling site. At the Mt. Pleasant site, deathcamas density was reduced by 84% ± 2.8% with 2,4-D alone, whereas 2,4-D + triclopyr and imazapic provided similar density reductions as observed at the Mt. Sterling site. Steroidal alkaloid concentrations did not change in herbicide-treated deathcamas at either stage of plant growth. These data indicate that 2,4-D, 2,4-D + triclopyr, and imazapic can effectively control deathcamas in the vegetative and flowering growth stages.

The effect of herbicides on the concentration of miserotoxin, the toxic compound in Wasatch milkvetch [Astragalus miser var. oblongifolius (Rydb.) Cronq. # ASAMO], was investigated. Eight herbicides or herbicide combinations were applied to Wasatch milkvetch in June 1985 and 1986. The concentration of miserotoxin was determined weekly for 4 weeks after treatments. All treatments in both years significantly reduced the miserotoxin concentration when compared to the controls, except for the 0.6 kg ae/ha rate of clopyralid (3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) in 1986. Wasatch milkvetch treated with triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid} at 1.7 and 2.2 kg ae/ha desiccated rapidly and had consistently low concentrations of miserotoxin 4 weeks after treatment.

Herbicides have been used to control tall larkspur to prevent cattle deaths. There is some evidence that tall larkspur may become more toxic and more palatable during the desiccation process following herbicide treatment. A series of studies were conducted to measure toxic alkaloid concentration in tall larkspur following treatment with metsulfuron, picloram, and glyphosate. Herbicides were applied to larkspur plants grown in a greenhouse (1990), to field plots infested with larkspur (1993), and to individual larkspur plants in the field (1995). Leaves were harvested up to 14 or 28 d following treatment, and toxic alkaloids were measured. Metsulfuron increased toxic alkaloid concentration in the 1990 greenhouse study and in 1993 field plot studies, and increased both concentration and absolute amount of toxic alkaloids in 1995 individual plant treatments. Alkaloids in plants treated with picloram either remained unchanged or declined slightly in all three studies and were similar to control plants. In the 1995 study, glyphosate caused the relative concentration of alkaloids to increase as the plants desiccated, but the absolute amount of alkaloids was similar to control plants. Picloram and glyphosate did not reduce alkaloid concentration; thus, the risk of poisoning remains until plants desiccate. Metsulfuron increased alkaloid concentration, thus increasing the risk of poisoning. Cattle should not be allowed to graze sprayed areas until larkspur desiccates and withers.

A carpeted roller applicator and broadcast sprayer were compared for application of glyphosate, metsulfuron, and picloram to control duncecap and tall larkspur on mountain range sites in southern Idaho and central Utah, respectively. Glyphosate was the most effective herbicide, controlling 96% of both larkspur species when applied by the sprayer and 78% when applied by the roller. There was no difference in larkspur control between application methods using metsulfuron or picloram. Application of herbicides by the carpeted roller was less detrimental to forbs compared to the sprayer, and the roller application of glyphosate did not reduce grass cover. Grass cover doubled following treatments with picloram and metsulfuron.

Kikuyugrass was analyzed for nitrate (expressed as KNO3) and soluble oxalate concentration after it was grown for 8 wk in nutrient solution supplemented with KCl, NaCl, or NH4NO3; fertilized in the greenhouse with urea and KNO3 at 112 kg N ha-1; and fertilized in the field in Hawaii and Panama with urea at 56 and 112 kg N ha-1. Both treated and untreated kikuyugrass grown in nutrient solution contained toxic levels of nitrates and soluble oxalates. Plants treated with urea in the greenhouse contained 0.4% nitrate (nontoxic) 72 h after treatment whereas those treated with KNO3 contained 2.36% nitrate (highly toxic). Fertilization of kikuyugrass with urea in Panama and Hawaii did not significantly affect soluble oxalate concentration, but nitrate concentration increased to potentially lethal levels (over 1.5% as KNO3, dry wt) in plants from Hawaii.

Duncecap larkspur was not killed by triclopyr, picloram, or clopyralid applied once at recommended rates. Triclopyr at 1.1, 1.7, 2.2, and 4.6 kg ae/ha applied twice to the same plots in two consecutive years reduced duncecap larkspur density from 29 to 64%. However, the higher rates of triclopyr left 2 plants/m2, an unacceptable level for preventing cattle poisoning.

Several herbicides were evaluated for the control of velvet lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus Dougl. #3 LUPLE), a plant poisonous to sheep on western mountain ranges, and a secondary target species, mountain big sagebrush [Artemisia tridentata Nutt. # ARTTR]. Change in foliar cover of the two target species and associated vegetation was used to evaluate efficacy of the herbicides. Velvet lupine cover was reduced by greater than 50% in the 1983 trial by the butyl ester of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] at 2.2 and 4.5 kg ae/ha, the butoxyethanol ester of 2,4,5-T [(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] at 1.1 and 2.2 kg ae/ha, the dimethylamine salt of dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid) at 2.2 kg ae/ha, and 2,4-D plus dicamba at 1.1 plus 0.6 kg/ha. Cover of velvet lupine and other forbs was reduced by drought in the spring of 1985 and obscured the comparison among herbicides in the 1984 trial. Cover of mountain big sagebrush was consistently reduced (>88%) by 2,4-D at 4.5 kg/ha in both trials, and by three rates of the butoxyethyl ester of triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid} (>67%) in the 1984 trial. Grass cover increased in plots where herbicides effectively reduced velvet lupine, forbs, and mountain big sagebrush.

Control of tall larkspur on mountain rangelands would substantially reduce cattle poisoning. Several herbicides were evaluated for their control of tall larkspur in subalpine and aspen vegetation types. Glyphosate (2.2 kg ai ha−1) and picloram (2.2 kg ae ha−1) killed more than 88% of larkspur plants in both vegetation types. Clopyralid and triclopyr were ineffective at comparable rates. Metsulfuron (88 and 138 g ai ha−1) provided variable control. Glyphosate is nonselective and killed all perennial vegetation, except for Thurbers fescue and mountain brome in the aspen type. Picloram applied at 4.5 kg ha−1 suppressed grasses on the subalpine site, but allowed grasses to increase at lower rates. All herbicides reduced forb cover.

Velvet lupine planst were defoliated (50% of upper foliage) in 1983 and 1984 to determine total alkaloid concentration (TAC), percent crude protein (CP), and fiber in regrowth foliage. TAC in regrowth leaves was 15% lower than in the original leaves removed at the beginning of the study. Percent CP of regrowth leaves was 22% lower than in original defoliated leaves. Alkaloids and CP did not increase in response to defoliation stress from simulated herbivory as plant defense theories predicted.

Eight herbicides or herbicide combinations were evaluated for control of Wasatch milkvetch and other broadleaf plants. Triclopyr at 2.2 kg ae/ha controlled Wasatch milkvetch and associated mountain big sagebrush and mulesears 100%. A combination of triclopyr plus dicamba at 1.1 plus 1.1 kg ae/ha also controlled these species. When compared to untreated plots, grass production increased over 400% on plots treated with triclopyr at 1.7 and 2.2 kg/ha and more than 300% on plots treated with triclopyr plus dicamba at 1.1 plus 1.1 kg/ha.

Several herbicides were evaluated for control of white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt. T & G # OXRMA) and changes in botanical composition on two sites on high-elevation rangeland. White locoweed was more abundant and its population more stable on the rocky subalpine wind-swept ridge site than on the subalpine loam site. Picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) at 0.6 and 1.1 kg ae/ha, and 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] at 2.2 and 4.5 kg ae/ha eliminated white locoweed on the subalpine loam site, although the population on this site declined naturally. Clopyralid (3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) was the most effective herbicide on the subalpine wind-swept site. Clopyralid at 0.3 and 0.6 kg ae/ha, dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid) at 2.2 kg ae/ha, and 2,4-D at 1.1 kg ae/ha plus clopyralid or picloram at 0.3 kg/ha killed all white locoweed plants. Lower rates of clopyralid (0.1 kg/ha), dicamba (0.6 and 1.1 kg/ha), 2,4-D (2.2 and 4.5 kg/ha), and triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2~pyridinyl)oxy] acetic aicid)} (0.6, 1.1, and 2.2 kg ae/ha) killed 45 to 84% of white locoweed plants. Grass cover increased on most treated areas where white locoweed, forbs, and sagebrush declined. Cattle consumption of white locoweed declined following application of 2,4-D.

Total alkaloid concentration, percentage water, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber in velvet lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus Dougl. # LUPLE) were monitored for 3 weeks following application of herbicides registered or soon to be registered for rangeland use. Picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid), dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid), and clopyralid (3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) caused some signs of epinasty but did not kill velvet lupine. Total alkaloid concentration and nutrient quality of velvet lupine leaves treated with these herbicides was not significantly different from untreated plants. Esters of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] and 2,4,5-T [(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] and triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy]acetic acid} killed most velvet lupine plants and caused a subsequent decrease in total alkaloid concentration, crude protein, and water content as the plants desiccated. Herbicides that effectively killed velvet lupine decreased alkaloid levels, thus lowering the potential for increased livestock poisoning.

Glyphosate effectively kills duncecap and tall larkspur on mountain rangelands but it is nonselective and kills all other vegetation it contacts. Two selective application methods to treat individual plants were compared to demonstrate their efficacy in controlling larkspur and their effect on associated plant species: (1) spot spray with glyphosate concentration at 2% product solution (0.8% ai); (2) hand held wiper applicator with glyphosate concentration at 33% production solution (13.5% ai). The two methods were equally effective in killing most of the larkspur plants, but the sprayer applicator was more rapid and easier to apply. Neither method adversely affected foliar cover of associated perennial species. Glyphosate must be applied to the entire plant to ensure its mortality.

Foliar sprays of 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr were applied to vegetative annual goldeneye at 0.56, 1.1, and 2.2 kg ai ha-1. Mortality was 47% and 64% after treatment with triclopyr and 2,4-D at 2.2 kg ha-1, respectively. Mortality was less than 30% at lower rates. Mortality was 54%, 93%, and 100% after treatment with dicamba at 0.56, 1.1, and 2.2 kg ha-1, respectively. Foliar cover of tobosagrass increased 119% and 92% on plots treated with dicamba at 1.1 and 2.2 kg ha-1, respectively. Herbicide treatment did not affect nitrate concentration (0.03% to 0.05%) in treated plants.

Several herbicides were evaluated for their ability to control duncecap larkspur, a serious poisonous plant on mountain rangelands in the western U.S. Duncecap larkspur density was reduced from 33 to 93% by triclopyr applied at 2.2, 4.5, and 9.0 kg ae/ha. Picloram applied at 2.2 and 4.5 kg ae/ha reduced density from 33 to 99%. Metsulfuron applied at 86 and 138 g ai/ha reduced density from 50 to 98%. Glyphosate was the most effective herbicide, reducing density by 90 to 100% when applied at 2.2 kg ai/ha. Glyphosate reduced the cover of grasses and perennial forbs but increased cover of annual forbs. All rates of picloram and metsulfuron reduced forb cover. Grass cover increased in most plots where duncecap larkspur and forbs were reduced.

Timing and application rates of herbicides were evaluated for control of duncecap and tall larkspur on mountain rangelands. Picloram, triclopyr, glyphosate, and metsulfuron were applied at three rates during three growth stages (vegetative, bud, and flower) to evaluate the rate by growth stage interaction. Picloram was equally effective over all growth stages when applied at 1.1 or 2.2 kg ae ha−1. Metsulfuron was most effective when applied in the vegetative stage; 0.035 kg ai ha−1 killed 95% of duncecap larkspur, but 0.14 kg ha−1 was required to kill the same percentage of tall larkspur. Glyphosate at ≤ 2.2 kg ai ha−1 was least effective when applied in the flower stage compared to earlier growth stages. Triclopyr showed variable control at rates from 1.1 to 4.5 kg ae ha−1.

Experimental plots treated with 2,4-D amine at 2.2 kg ae ha-1 in 1968 and 1969 to control California false-hellebore were evaluated in July 1989 to determine long-term control of California false-hellebore, changes in foliar cover, and increases in production of desirable species. Control of California false-hellebore was 100% on all treated plots. The foliar cover on treated plots averaged 78% grasses and sedge, 20% broadleaf plants, and no California false-hellebore. Control plots averaged 85% California false-hellebore, 10% grasses and sedge, and 4.5% broadleaf plants. Vegetative production of grasses and sedge was 3.8 times greater on treated plots compared with controls.

Broom snakeweed (snakeweed) is an aggressive native range-weed found throughout arid and semiarid areas of the western United States, that increases following disturbances such as overgrazing, drought, or wildfire. Ecologically based strategies that include controlling snakeweed and reestablishing desirable herbaceous species are needed to restore productivity and diversity to invaded areas. The objective of this study was to compare the ability of selected introduced and native grass species and prostrate kochia (kochia) to prevent reinvasion of snakeweed, downy brome, and annual forbs following control. This field study was replicated at two sites (Howell and Nephi, Utah) within the sagebrush-steppe biome. Snakeweed and downy brome were controlled by picloram (0.25 kg/ha [0.22 lb/ac]) and glyphosate (1.5 kg/ha [1.3 lb/ac]). The seeding treatments were comprised of three introduced grasses and a mix of these species, three native grasses and a mix of these species, and kochia. The treatments were seeded into 3 by 15-m (10 by 50 ft) plots in October 2003. Frequency and biomass of seeded species, snakeweed, downy brome, other grasses, and annual forbs were measured in 2004, 2005, and 2008. Seeded species were evaluated for success of establishment and persistence, and their ability to restrict reinvasion of snakeweed, downy brome, and annual forbs. Crested wheatgrass and big squirreltail had the best initial establishment at both locations (> 75%). In contrast, kochia and Russian wildrye did not establish well at either site, and western wheatgrass did not establish well at Nephi. Snakeweed reestablishment was restricted in all treatments except the kochia treatments, in which kochia did not establish well. Frequency of downy brome increased at both sites, and annual forb frequency increased at Nephi to near 100%, but the better established grasses suppressed biomass production of these weedy species. Crested wheatgrass established best, had the greatest production, and provided greatest suppression of downy brome and annual weeds.

Broom snakeweed is a native weed widely distributed on rangelands of western North America. It often increases to near monocultures following disturbance from overgrazing, fire, or drought. This paper presents an up-to-date review of broom snakeweed toxicology, seed ecology, population cycles, succession, and management. The greatest ecological concern is that broom snakeweed displaces desirable forage for livestock or wildlife and greatly reduces biodiversity. It also is toxic and can cause abortions in all species of livestock. Propagation usually is pulse-driven in wet years, allowing large expanses of even-aged stands to establish and dominate plant communities. Snakeweed can be controlled by prescribed burning or spraying with herbicides. A weed-resistant plant community dominated by competitive grasses can prevent or minimize its reinvasion.

Broom snakeweed is one of the most widespread range weeds in western North America. Although a native plant, it increases with disturbance such as overgrazing, fire, and drought, and can dominate sites. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that defoliation of broom snakeweed alone, and along with associated grasses, would reduce its vigor and increase its mortality in bunchgrass plant communities. The study was conducted at two locations: near Nephi, UT in an invaded crested wheatgrass stand and at Howell, UT in a bluebunch wheatgrass/Wyoming big sagebrush community. Clipping treatments consisted of (1) untreated Control; (2) All Clip—clipping all herbaceous vegetation 2 cm above the soil surface, and current season foliar growth of snakeweed; (3) Grass Clip—clipping all grass and forb plants; (4) Snakeweed Clip—clipping current season foliar growth. Treatments were randomly assigned to 1-m2 plots and clipped in May or late August. Plots were measured and clipped at the respective seasons annually from 2004 to 2007. Defoliation of snakeweed in spring in the Snakeweed Clip treatment caused higher mortality and lower size and vigor of remaining plants than the other treatments at the end of the study. Clipping all vegetation also reduced snakeweed density at Nephi, but not at Howell. There was little regrowth of bluebunch wheatgrass at Howell in the All Clip treatment; thus, it was likely to have not competed with snakeweed regrowth for limited soil moisture. Bluebunch wheatgrass cover declined at Howell in the All and Grass Clip treatments. Crested wheatgrass was not adversely affected by spring defoliation in the All and Grass Clip treatments, and it increased in the Snakeweed Clip treatment. There were few differences in the fall defoliations. Spring defoliation of snakeweed put it at a competitive disadvantage with both intact perennial bunchgrasses and regrowth crested wheatgrass, thus enhancing its mortality.