Скачать или смотреть Integration of Thistle Rust Into Organic Management of Canada Thistle

Daniel Chichinsky, Master's Program (first year), Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University

Advisor: Dr. Fabian Menalled, Faculty/Professor Weed Ecology, Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. (Canada thistle) is an aggressive perennial weed which threatens sustainable crop production throughout Montana and the Western region. Organic producers could benefit greatly from the development of integrated Canada thistle management programs which include mechanical, cultural and biological control tactics. The fungal pathogen, Puccinia punctiformis (thistle rust), is a naturalized, highly selective Canada thistle parasite that has the potential to aid in the suppression of Canada thistle when integrated into weed management control tactics. This research project explores the impact of thistle rust when it is integrated into tillage practices and cropping rotations designed to reduce the spread and impact of Canada thistle in organic settings. Preliminary results from our greenhouse study show moderate evidence that Canada thistle root biomass is reduced when treated with the thistle rust pathogen. Additionally, tillage treatments of disc cultivation and mowing have resulted in significant increases in thistle rust abundance at the Ft. Ellis Research Farm. However, neither tillage treatment has been linked to a reduction in Canada thistle abundance at this time.