Solomon, Christopher. “Researcher Finds Way to Fight Cheatgrass, a Western Scourge.” The
New York Times. The New York Times, 05 Oct. 2015. Web. 21 Nov. 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/06/science/researcher-finds-way-to-fight-cheatgrass-a-western-scourge.html?ref=topics&_r=0>.
Cheatgrass is known as the most successful invasive species in North America. This type of weed inhabits every states of the U.S. and has become the dominant plant in the West. The weed has become a physical problem and an agricultural problem since it can reduce yields dramatically. Recently however, a soil scientist with the Agricultural Research Service has discovered a stain of soil bacteria that can constrain the growth of cheatgrass and leave native plants untouched.
This article confirms that not all native species can harm native environments. Sometimes the introduction of new species can benefit the state of an environment and provide equilibrium. However, a lot of research needs to be dedicated to this types of invasive species to prove their reliability and the effects they would have on a native environment, especially if this type of species is some type of bacteria or fungi.
I wonder how long it took for this weed to spread through all the states! I have probably seen it before, but I had no idea it was an invasive species because it is so abundant.
While it is valuable to invest in this soil bacteria to remove the threat of cheatgrass, this will only make way for another invasive species to take root.
How does the cheatgrass affect the nation negatively?
Thank you all for commenting. And cheat grass affects the nation negatively since it can dominate wheat fields and reduce yields by up to half!