Concern:Rush skeletonweed was first discovered in B.C. in the North Okanagan region of Spallumcheen in 1983. Subsequent infestations were found at Sirdar in the Central Kootenay region in 1991 and Kimberley in the East Kootenay region in 1998. Native to southern Russia and now spread throughout much of the world, this weed poses a serious threat to BC rangelands and other agricultural resources including both dryland and irrigated cereal production.Over 5 million acres have been infested in the Pacific Northwest states and it is currently spreading at a rate of 100,000 acres per year. Since its introduction to Australia in 1935, the expansion of rush skeletonweed has resulted in estimated annual losses to wheat production in excess of $30 million. Damage causedRush skeletonweed’s extensive, long lived root system enables it to effectively compete with crops for water and nutrients, especially nitrogen. Once established, rush skeletonweed can reduce crop yields by as much as 70 percent. The high fibre content and milky juice in the stems also greatly hamper harvest and tillage operations. Infestations on rangelands displace beneficial forage vegetation required by livestock and grazing wildlife.Ecology:Rush skeletonweed is adapted to a wide range of climatic and environmental conditions. Infestations are known to occur in areas receiving less than 10 inches and more than 60 inches of precipitation. Rush skeletonweed grows in soils ranging from acid to alkaline, but thrives best on well-drained sandy or gravel soils. Infestations in British Columbia to date are found in gravel pits, cropland with heavy soils, rough pasture and rangeland with light soils, as well as coarse soils along transportation corridors.What Can You Do?Preventing seed production must receive top priority to avoid further spread of rush skeletonweed to uninfested areas.
For control information and to report sitings, contact: Or Report sitings to your local Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries or BC Ministry of Forests office.
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