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Sheep as vectors for branched broomrape ( O robanche ramosa subsp. mutelii [ F.W . S chultz] C out.) seed dispersal
Author(s) -
Ginman Emma,
Prider Jane,
Matthews John,
Virtue John,
Watling Jennifer
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
weed biology and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.351
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1445-6664
pISSN - 1444-6162
DOI - 10.1111/wbm.12065
Subject(s) - biology , biological dispersal , quarantine , seed dispersal , weed , botany , horticulture , ecology , population , demography , sociology
Sheep can be vectors for the long‐distance dispersal of weeds when seed becomes attached and retained in wool or survives the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine an appropriate quarantine period for sheep that minimized the risk of the long‐distance dispersal of the seeds of branched broomrape ( O robanche ramosa L . subsp. mutelii [ F.W . S hultz] Cout.), a parasitic weed. Experiments with penned sheep found that the seeds that were placed on the soil surface adhered to the wool on the thigh and belly of the sheep, with most of the seeds attaching to the feet. Most of the seeds that were applied to the belly and thigh wool detached within 2 days, although a small proportion was present after 7 days. The seeds that were introduced to the digestive tract via drenching had a peak voidance 2 days later and no seed was detected on Day 8. It is suggested that a 7 day quarantine period for sheep would be sufficient in order to reduce the risk of the internal transport of seed to acceptable levels, but a small risk of the external transport of seed on the fleece remains.