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Timing Control Efforts to Limit Seed Set of Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Hannah D. Wilbur  and
Ruth A. Hufbauer
Hannah D. Wilbur*
Affiliation:
Colorado State University, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Department of Bioagricultural Science and Pest Management, Campus Mail 1177, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1177
Ruth A. Hufbauer
Affiliation:
Colorado State University, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Department of Bioagricultural Science and Pest Management, Campus Mail 1177, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1177
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: hannah.wilbur@colostate.edu
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Extract

Control options for the nonnative common mullein are of increasing interest to land managers in the west. Common mullein is a prolific seed producer, with a single plant able to produce well over 100,000 seeds. We found that mechanical control of common mullein before mature seed capsules developed along the raceme significantly reduced viable seed production. Seeds from immature capsules had very low viability (early reproductive stage = 0.08%, 95% CI = 0.06%, 0.67%; mid reproductive stage = 1.52%, 95% CI = 0.49%, 3.11%). This information allows managers to time their management efforts so that they can reduce the amount of plant material that must be disposed of in order to control the spread of common mullein seeds.

Keywords

Common mullein, Verbascum thapsus L.physical controlmechanical controlmanagementseed viability
Type
Notes and Commentary
Information
Invasive Plant Science and Management , Volume 5 , Issue 3 , September 2012 , pp. 390 - 394
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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