According to a Texas A&M AgriLife Research rangeland ecologist, in order to get the best control of mesquite seedlings, fire must be effectively managed.
In a recent study published in Rangeland Ecology and Management journal, Dr. Jim Ansley indicated the mitigation of mesquite seedlings by fire is affected by both season and intensity.
“We know adult mesquite trees are fire resistant because they resprout following a fire,” Ansley said. “We have determined that range managers might have a greater success of mesquite control with fire if their efforts are aimed at the seedlings.”
In the study, mesquite seeds were planted in mid-grass and tall-grass plots in the spring and then burned in the winter at 10 or 22 months seedling age or in late summer when they were 17 months old, according to AgriLife Today.
The results revealed summer fires were more effective and yielded a higher death rate than earlier winter fires.
View the full results of Ansley’s study here.