Controlling infestations of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) can be both expensive and labor intensive. Currently, there are very few herbicides on the market for cheatgrass control, none of which provide selective control options. However, Ann Kennedy, a research scientist at Washington State, has isolated a bacterial strain that shows promise in aiding in cheatgrass management.

       The bacterium (Pseudomonas fluorescens) is naturally occurring in the soil and is already in use in agricultural settings.  Dr. Kennedy found that when P. fluorescens is present in the soil, cheatgrass loses its competitive edge allowing native species to revegetate the area. P. fluorescens has not been found to affect any native species. Instead, the bacteria secrete a chemical that binds
into the roots of cheatgrass and limits the plant's ability to uptake nutrients while allowing native species to thrive. As the bacteria build up in the soil over the following years, increasing impact on the cheatgrass infestation occurs. With the addition of low rates of herbicides, cheatgrass infestations face more rapid declines.

        A company in Idaho has started the process rearing the bacteria for use as a bioherbicide which is currently being evaluated by the EPA. Pending this approval, applications of the bioherbicide could begin as early as October 2016. TCWP is very excited at the prospect of adding this bioherbicide to our arsenal for cheatgrass control.   Source

TCWP would like to give a huge Thank You to 1% for the Tetons for funding an Early Detection, Rapid Response grant in the Teton range!