Invasion, prevention, control and utilization of capim-annoni-2 (Eragrostis plana Nees) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Abstract
The natural grasslands of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) have been deteriorated due to widespread overgrazing, use of fire, soil tillage, erosion and by the invasion of the south african grass Eragrostis plana (capim-annoni-2), accidentally introduced in the 1950’s. Seed multiplication and use as a forage crop favored its dispersion establishment in roadsides and in the natural grassland vegetation. The invaded area in RS is estimated to be one million hectares. Integrated control, regulations of animal transport, weeding of sale yard areas, and the elimination of weed nursery will help to reduce the spreading of this species. Preventive grassland management practices might avoid invasion of new fields. The evaluation of the effects of management systems over the vegetation dynamics and the animals performance may reveal new tools capable to decrease or retain the abun- dance of this invasive species and improve biodiversity and productivity of the natural grassland.
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