Join us for a Native Prairie Speaker Series webinar about the invasive weed – leafy spurge!
Tuesday May 13th, 2025 at 12:00pm
Speaker: Sheila Taillon
Register Free: https://shorturl.at/o7Krg
This presentation is FREE! Tune in from anywhere! Everyone welcome!
More Information: SK PCAP at 306.352.0472 or pcap@sasktel.net
About this Webinar:
Leafy spurge [Euphorbia virgata Wald & Kit (previously known as Euphorbia esula L.)] is a problematic invasive plant that degrades native grasslands by displacing indigenous vegetation. Controlling leafy spurge is extremely challenging, often requiring multiple herbicide applications. Below ground, leafy spurge forms a strong association with a soil fungus called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This relationship is typically beneficial for both the leafy spurge and the AMF. Leafy spurge acquires additional soil nutrients while the AMF uses fats and sugars from the plant. Research has shown that in a nutrient rich environment, these mycorrhizal associations can shift from beneficial to harmful as the host plant gives more resources than it receives. Our research investigates whether the application of fertilizer can transform the relationship between leafy spurge and AMF and enhance the effects of herbicide for a more effective and sustainable weed management approach.