Research Needs
Although some buffelgrass research has been completed, there is still a lack of scientific information to support and evaluate buffelgrass control methods, restoration after treatment, or adaptation in the event that control is not possible and fire-resistant desert becomes flammable grassland.
A preliminary list of buffelgrass research needs is provided below and additional information may be referenced in Appendix 6 of the Southern Arizona Buffelgrass Strategic Plan.
- Development of a coordination center and data clearinghouse
- Evaluation of mechanical and chemical control methods (including site characteristics, and timing and repetition of treatments)
- Use of remote sensing to map and monitor buffelgrass
- Development of phonological models for green-up and herbicide application
- Realistic spread and niche models for different strains of buffelgrass that take into account landscape structure, pathways of dispersal, and climate variability and change
- Restoration of treated or burned areas
- Modeling of fuel loads, ignition sources, fire behavior, fire risks, fire frequency and intervals, and the resulting fire impacts as patches coalesce and invasion progresses
- Impact of buffelgrass invasion on critical habitat and rare species
- Unintended impacts of herbicides
- Cascading effects of buffelgrass on native species (flora and fauna)
- Riparian area impacts following buffelgrass wildfires
- Web-based Decision Support Systems