Management techniques for the control of Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii) in the Mojave Desert

Dianne Bangle

In the southwestern United States, Brassica tournefortii (Sahara mustard) is a highly invasive plant that colonizes roadsides, beaches, sand dunes, and open desert threatening native annuals. Manpower limitations and insufficient funding limits land managers ability to effectively control Sahara mustard. I tested seed germinability in Sahara mustard after fruiting plants were treated with either 2%, 5%, or 12% triclopyr. Sahara mustard seed pods were labeled based on three developmental stages prior to treatment. Application of herbicide decreased germination from control seeds, however effectiveness did not differ across concentrations of triclopyr (2, 5, and 12%). I also tested seed germinability in Sahara mustard after fruiting plants were separated from their resources and allowed to dry in the field. Seed pods were labeled by developmental stage before treatment. The three treatments consisted of; 1) pulling plants with roots intact; 2) pulling the plant and breaking the roots and leaf rosette from the inflorescence; 3) pulling off individual fruits. All treatments resulted in a decrease in germination from control seeds.

Keywords: SAHARA MUSTARD, HERBICIDE, INVASIVE SPECIES, WEED CONTROL