Targeted Sheep Grazing to Suppress Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) on Northwestern Montana Rangeland

Suppression of Potentilla recta by targeted goat grazing and aminopyralid on northern intermountain rangelands

“…In the targeted grazing-only treatments, P. recta biomass did not differ between the control and targeted grazing-only treatments at Wycliffe and Tobacco Plains in May 2020, suggesting retreatment is required. However, at 1 yr following targeted sheep grazing, Mosley et al (2017) reported 41% and 47% reduction in P. recta yield when measured in June and July, respectively. In our study, a decline in biomass at 1 yr following targeted goat grazing might have been measured if P. recta biomass was assessed later in the growing season.…”

“…micranthos (Gugler) Hayek] in the fall during the flowering or seed-production stage reduced C. stoebe cover and density just as effectively as repeated mowing. However, Mosley et al (2017) documented no difference in the decline of P. recta buds, flowers, and seed heads following targeted sheep grazing applied once during the early flowering stage of P. recta and once during the late flowering-early seed set stage, nor was there a difference in the reduction of viable seeds. Further study is needed to examine whether the application of targeted goat grazing once during flowering or seed set effectively suppresses P. recta compared with two targeted grazing events and whether P. recta recovery following targeted goat grazing at flowering or seed set is reduced compared with targeted goat grazing conducted once during pre-flowering.…”

“…To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine P. recta management within rangelands in the Intermountain Region of Canada, representing the most northerly study of this invasive species within North America. Control of P. recta has been examined through simulated grazing via clipping (Frost and Mosley 2012), targeted grazing with sheep (Ovis aries L.) (Mosley et al 2017), and herbicides (Endress et al 2008;Sheley and Denny 2006). Sheep have effectively suppressed P. recta, reducing yield and seed viability (Mosley et al 2017); however, goats (Capra hircus L.) and cattle (Bos taurus L.) are other potential livestock candidates, as both are known to graze P. recta (Frost and Mosley 2012;Parks et al 2008).…”

“…Control of P. recta has been examined through simulated grazing via clipping (Frost and Mosley 2012), targeted grazing with sheep (Ovis aries L.) (Mosley et al 2017), and herbicides (Endress et al 2008;Sheley and Denny 2006). Sheep have effectively suppressed P. recta, reducing yield and seed viability (Mosley et al 2017); however, goats (Capra hircus L.) and cattle (Bos taurus L.) are other potential livestock candidates, as both are known to graze P. recta (Frost and Mosley 2012;Parks et al 2008). The herbicides 2,4-D, dicamba þ 2,4-D, 2,4-D þ clopyralid, 2,4-D amine, metsulfuron-methyl, triclopyr, glyphosate, and picloram have been applied to control P. recta (Endress et al 2008;Sheley and Denny 2006), with picloram identified as the most effective herbicide, achieving control at 6 yr posttreatment (Endress et al 2012).…”

“…As well, both strategies pose the risk of adversely affecting nontarget vegetation. The utilization of livestock presents the risk of consumption of non-target species (e.g., Kirby et al 1997;Masin et al 2018;Mosley et al 2017). For example, goats consume a wide array of vegetation, including forbs, woody plants, and grass, and their selectivity of non-target plants may be influenced by various factors, including the availability and abundance of vegetation on site, nutritional needs, experiences, and inherited and learned behaviors (Larson et al 2015).…”