Plant Assessment Form

More Halogeton glomeratus resources

Halogeton glomeratus

Synonyms: Anabasis glomeratus

Common Names: Halogeton

Evaluated on: 2/26/04

List committee review date: 14/05/2004

Re-evaluation date:

Evaluator(s)

Rob Wilson, Farm Advisor
UCCE
707 Nevada St. Susanville, CA 96130
530-251-8132
rgwilson@ucdavis.edu

List committee members

Carla Bossard
Cynthia Roye
Alison Stanton
Joe DiTomaso
Peter Warner

General Comments

No general comments for this species

Table 2. Criteria, Section, and Overall Scores

Overall Score? Moderate

Alert Status? No Alert

Documentation? 3 out of 5

Score

Documentation

1.1

?Impact on abiotic ecosystem processes

B. Moderate

Reviewed Scientific Publication

Impact?
Four-part score BBBD Total Score
B

1.2

?Impact on plant community

B. Moderate

Reviewed Scientific Publication

1.3

?Impact on higher trophic levels

B. Moderate

Other Published Material

1.4

?Impact on genetic integrity

D. None

2.1

?Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in establishment

B. Moderate

Reviewed Scientific Publication

Invasiveness?
Total Points
17 Total Score A

2.2

?Local rate of spread with no management

A. Increases rapidly

Reviewed Scientific Publication

2.3

?Recent trend in total area infested within state

B. Increasing less rapidly

Other Published Material

2.4

?Innate reproductive potential
(see Worksheet A)

A. High

Reviewed Scientific Publication

2.5

?Potential for human-caused dispersal

A. High

Other Published Material

2.6

? Potential for natural long-distance dispersal

A. Frequent

Other Published Material

2.7

?Other regions invaded

C. Already invaded

Other Published Material

3.1

?Ecological amplitude/Range
(see Worksheet C)

B. Moderate

Observational

Distribution?
Total Score B

3.2

?Distribution/Peak frequency
(see Worksheet C)

B. Moderate

Observational

Table 3. Documentation

Scores are explained in the "Criteria for Categorizing Invasive Non-Native Plants that Threaten Wildlands".

Section 1: Impact
Question 1.1 Impact on abiotic ecosystem processes? Consider the impact on the natural range and variation of abiotic ecosystem processes and system-wide parameters in ways that significantly diminish the ability of native species to survive and reproduce. Alterations that determine the types of communities that can exist in a given area are of greatest concern. Examples of abiotic processes include: - fire occurrence, frequency, and intensity; - geomorphological changes such as erosion and sedimentation rates; - hydrological regimes, including soil water table; - nutrient and mineral dynamics, including salinity, alkalinity, and pH; - light availability (e.g. when an aquatic invader covers an entire water body that would otherwise be open). Select the one letter below that best describes this species' most severe impact on an abiotic ecosystem process: A. Severe, possibly irreversible, alteration or disruption of an ecosystem process. B. Moderate alteration of an ecosystem process. C. Minor alteration of an ecosystem process. D. Negligible perceived impact on an ecosystem process. U. Unknown.	B Reviewed Scientific Publication
Identify ecosystem processes impacted: <p>Halogeton populations increase salinity levels at the soil surface (act as a salt pump). One study found increased nutrient levels (NO3, P, K, Na) and soil bacteria diversity in an area heavily infested with halogeton for 20+ years compared to adjacent native winterfat communities. Halogeton concentrates salts into plant tissue and then deposit the salts on the soil surface as plant material decays. Leachates from halogeton mulch alter chemical and physical properties of soil and can inhibit the germination of other plant species.</p> Sources of information: <p>Pavek, Diane S. 1992. Halogeton glomeratus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis. Roundy, Bruce A. 1987. Seedbed salinity and the establishment of range plants. In: Frasier, Gary W.; Evans, Raymond A., eds. Proceedings of symposium: "Seed and seedbed ecology of rangeland plants"; 1987 April 21-23; Tucson, AZ. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service: 68-81. [4062] Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553. Duda, Jeffery J. et al. 2003. Differences in native soil ecology associated with invasion of the exotic annual chenopod, Halogeton glomeratus. Biology & Fertility of Soils. 38(2). July: 72-77</p>
Question 1.2 Impact on plant community composition, structure, and interactions? Consider the cumulative ecological impact of this species to the plant communities it invades. Give more weight to changes in plant composition, structure, and interactions that involve rare or keystone species or rare community types. Examples of severe impacts include: - formation of stands dominated (>75% cover) by the species; - occlusion (>75% cover) of a native canopy, including a water surface, that eliminates or degrades layers below; - significant reduction or extirpation of populations of one or more native species. Examples of impacts usually less than severe include: - reduction in propagule dispersal, seedling recruitment, or survivorship of native species; - creation of a new structural layer, including substantial thatch or litter, without elimination or replacement of a pre-existing layer; - change in density or depth of a structural layer; - change in horizontal distribution patterns or fragmentation of a native community; - creation of a vector or intermediate host of pests or pathogens that infect native plant species. Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on community composition, structure and interactions: A. Severe alteration of plant community composition, structure, or interactions. B. Moderate alteration of plant community composition. C. Minor alteration of community composition. D. Negligible impact known; causes no perceivable change in community composition, structure, or interactions. U. Unknown.	B Reviewed Scientific Publication
Identify type of impact or alteration: <p>Halogeton is well adapted to saline-alkaline soils in salt-desert shrubland and surrounding big sagebrush steppe. After disturbance, halogeton can become a dominant species in areas void of competing vegetation. Halogeton is problematic following disturbance from overgrazing, construction, agriculture, or fire. Halogeton usually does not become dominant in undisturbed saline-alkaline soils with vigorous competing vegetation. Halogeton can tolerate high saline-sodic soil conditions unlike most summer annual forbs. This adaptability allows halogeton to grow in areas few other plants can tolerate. Halogeton interacts with the regeneration ecology of valuble native perennial half-shrubs found in the Intermountain Region. Halogeton is not competitive with most established perennials (saltgrass, big sagebrush, greasewood, etc.) and aggressive winter annuals (cheatgrass, medusahead, etc.) since it does not produce a large shoot or root system early in the growing season to capitalize on available spring soil moisture (especially in low summer precipitation climates).</p> Sources of information: <p>Pavek, Diane S. 1992. Halogeton glomeratus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis. [Online] Halogeton, Encyloweedia description. Available: http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/weedinfo/HALOGETO2.html Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553.</p>
Question 1.3 Impact on higher trophic levels? Consider the cumulative impact of this species on the animals, fungi, microbes, and other organisms in the communities that it invades. Although a non-native species may provide resources for one or a few native species (e.g. by providing food, nesting sites, etc.), the ranking should be based on the species' net impact on all native species. Give more weight to changes in composition and interactions involving rare or keystone species or rare community types. Examples of severe impacts include: - extirpation or endangerment of an existing native species or population; - elimination or significant reduction in native species' nesting or foraging sites, cover, or other critical resources (i.e., native species habitat), including migratory corridors. Examples of impacts that are usually less than severe include: - minor reduction in nesting or foraging sites, cover, etc. for native animals; - minor reduction in habitat connectivity or migratory corridors; - interference with native pollinators; - injurious components, such as awns or spines that damage the mouth and gut of native wildlife species, or production of anti-digestive or acutely toxic chemical that can poison native wildlife species. Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on community composition and interactions: A. Severe alteration of higher trophic populations, communities, or interactions. B. Moderate alteration of higher trophic level populations, communities, or interactions. C. Minor alteration of higher trophic level populations, communities or interactions. D. Negligible impact; causes no perceivable change in higher trophic level populations, communities, or interactions. E. Unknown.	B Other Published Material
Identify type of impact or alteration: <p>Since the early 1950's, reports have confirmed halogeton can poision sheep and cattle, but little information is available on halogeton's potential to poison brose animals such as deer and antelope. Since halogeton has poor palatability and produces toxic oxalates, it's pretty safe to assume large, dense, halogeton infestations reduce forage availability for browse animals. .Halogeton leaves and stems contain soluble oxalates at toxic levels.</p> Sources of information: <p>Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553. [Online] Dewey, Steve. Halogeton glomeratus. Cal IPC red alert fact sheet. Available: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/datastore/detailreport.cfm?usernumber=53&surveynumber=182</p>
Question 1.4 Impact on genetic integrity? Consider whether the species can hybridize with and influence the proportion of individuals with non-native genes within populations of native species. Mechanisms and possible outcomes include: - production of fertile or sterile hybrids that can outcompete the native species; - production of sterile hybrids that lower the reproductive output of the native species. Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on genetic integrity: A. Severe (high proportion of individuals). B. Moderate (medium proportion of individuals). C. Minor (low proportion of individuals). D. No known hybridization. U. Unknown.	D
<p>Unlikely. I don't believe there are any native CA species in the Halogeton or Salsola genus.</p> Sources of information:
Section 2: Invasiveness
Question 2.1 Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in establishment? Assess this species' dependence on disturbance: both human and natural: for establishment in wildlands. Examples of anthropogenic disturbances include: - grazing, browsing, and rooting by domestic livestock and feral animals; - altered fire regimes, including fire suppression; - cultivation; - silvicultural practices; - altered hydrology due to dams, diversions, irrigation, etc.; - roads and trails; - construction; - nutrient loading from fertilizers, runoff, etc. Examples of natural disturbance include: - wildfire; - floods; - landslides; - windthrow; - native animal activities such as burrowing, grazing, or browsing. Select the first letter in the sequence below that describes the ability of this species to invade wildlands: A. Severe invasive potential: this species can establish independent of any known natural or anthropogenic disturbance. B. Moderate invasive potential: this species may occasionally establish in undisturbed areas but can readily establish in areas with natural disturbances. C. Low invasive potential: this species requires anthropogenic disturbance to establish. D. No perceptible invasive potential: this species does not establish in wildlands (though it may persist from former cultivation). U. Unknown.	A Reviewed Scientific Publication
Describe role of disturbance: <p>Halogeton primarly establishes in disturbed areas following overgrazing and mechanical soil disturbance. Halogeton can establish following natural disturbances such a fire. Since halogeton is well adapted to saline-sodic soils, it is often on the first ruderal species to establish on these sites following disturbance. Halogeton can also establish on saline-sodic soils that lack vegetation cover due to high soluble salt or sodium accumulation at the soil surface.</p> Sources of information: <p>Pavek, Diane S. 1992. Halogeton glomeratus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis. [Online] Halogeton, Encyloweedia description. Available: http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/weedinfo/HALOGETO2.html</p>
Question 2.2 Local rate of spread with no management? Assess this species' rate of spread in existing localized infestations where the proportion of available habitat invaded is still small when no management measures are implemented. Select the one letter below that best describes the rate of spread: A. Increases rapidly (doubling in <10 years) B. Increases, but less rapidly C. Stable D. Declining U. Unknown	A Reviewed Scientific Publication
Describe rate of spread: <p>In salt desert shrubland, halogeton can spread extremely fast. From a BLM survey conducted in 1957, Halogeton spread over 30,000 acres in CA, 4 million acres in Nevada, and 1 million acres in UT from 1954 to 1957. Halogeton grows well on disturbed sites in salt desert shrubland and spreads over long distances by wind and human transport. Since the majority of salt desert shrubland has been greatly disturbed by repeated grazing in the early 1900's, halogeton has a large opportuntity for establishment.</p> Sources of information: <p>Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553.</p>
Question 2.3 Recent trend in total area infested within state? Assess the overall trend in the total area infested by this species statewide. Include current management efforts in this assessment and note them. Select the one letter below that best describes the current trend: A. Increasing rapidly (doubling in total range statewide in <10 years) B. Increasing, but less rapidly C. Stable D. Declining U. Unknown	B Other Published Material
Describe trend: <p>Halogeton has likely spread to most of it's potential CA ecotypes. On problem with estimating halogeton population trends is it's flucatation in population between year to year. Halogeton establishment is related to disturbance and climate regimes. During drought periods, halogeton populations often increase, and during wet periods, halogeton sites become invaded by cheatgrass. Halogeton infestations can vary in size due to disturbance levels, and halogeton is susceptable to invasion by russian thistle and cheatgrass.</p> Sources of information: <p>Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553.</p>
Question 2.4 Innate reproductive potential? Assess the innate reproductive potential of this species. Worksheet A is provided for computing the score.	A Reviewed Scientific Publication
Describe key reproductive characteristics: <p>6 points; Halogeton is an annual that reproduces exclusively by seed. Halogeton can produce over 110,000 seeds per plant. Seeds are black or brown. Most black seeds germinate the year after production, and brown seeds often are viable but dormant for 2-10 years. Halogeton's production of brown seeds allows a population to persist for several years even if short term environmental conditions are unsuitable.</p> Sources of information: <p>Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553.</p>
Question 2.5 Potential for human-caused dispersal? Assess whether this species is currently spread: or has high potential to be spread: by direct or indirect human activity. Such activity may enable the species to overcome natural barriers to dispersal that would not be crossed otherwise, or it may simply increase the natural dispersal of the species. Possible mechanisms for dispersal include: - commercial sales for use in agriculture, ornamental horticulture, or aquariums; - use as forage, erosion control, or revegetation; - presence as a contaminant (seeds or propagules) in bulk seed, hay, feed, soil, packing materials, etc.; - spread along transportation corridors such as highways, railroads, trails, or canals; - transport on boats or boat trailers. Select the one letter below that best describes human-caused dispersal and spread: A. High: there are numerous opportunities for dispersal to new areas. B. Moderate: human dispersal occurs, but not at a high level. C. Low: human dispersal is infrequent or inefficient. D. Does not occur. U. Unknown.	A Other Published Material
Identify dispersal mechanisms: <p>Halogeton seed is often spread by attaching to vehicles and equipment. Road construction and graders spread halogeton. Halogeton can also be spread with livestock.</p> Sources of information: <p>Pavek, Diane S. 1992. Halogeton glomeratus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis. [Online] Halogeton, Encyloweedia description. Available: http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/weedinfo/HALOGETO2.html</p>
Question 2.6 Potential for natural long-distance dispersal? We have chosen 1 km as the threshold of "long-distance." Assess whether this species is frequently spread, or has high potential to be spread, by animals or abiotic mechanisms that can move seed, roots, stems, or other propagules this far. The following are examples of such natural long-distance dispersal mechanisms: - the species' fruit or seed is commonly consumed by birds or other animals that travel long distances; - the species' fruits or seeds are sticky or burred and cling to feathers or hair of animals; - the species has buoyant fruits, seeds, or other propagules that are dispersed by flowing water; - the species has light propagules that promote long-distance wind dispersal; - The species, or parts of it, can detach and disperse seeds as they are blown long distances (e.g., tumbleweed). Select the one letter below that best describes natural long-distance dispersal and spread: A. Frequent long-distance dispersal by animals or abiotic mechanisms. B. Occasional long-distance dispersal by animals or abiotic mechanisms. C. Rare dispersal more than 1 km by animals or abiotic mechanisms. D. No dispersal of more than 1 km by animals or abiotic mechanisms. U. Unknown.	A Other Published Material
Identify dispersal mechanisms: <p>Halogeton can spread over long distances by wind (tumbleweed). Whirlwinds can transport stems up to 2 miles. Halogeton is also spread by rabbits and western harvester ants.</p> Sources of information: <p>Pavek, Diane S. 1992. Halogeton glomeratus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis. Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553.</p>
Question 2.7 Other regions invaded? Assess whether this species has invaded ecological types in other states or countries outside its native range that are analogous to ecological types not yet invaded in your state (see Worksheets B, C, and D for California, Arizona, and Nevada, respectively, in Part IV for lists of ecological types). This information is useful in predicting the likelihood of further spread within your state. Select the one letter below that best describes the species' invasiveness in other states or countries, outside its native range. A. This species has invaded 3 or more ecological types elsewhere that exist in your state and are as yet not invaded by this species (e.g. it has invaded Mediterranean grasslands, savanna, and maquis in southern Europe, which are analogous to California grasslands, savanna, and chaparral, respectively). B. Invades 1 or 2 ecological types that exist but are not yet invaded in your state. C. Invades elsewhere but only in ecological types that it has already invaded in the state. D. Not known as an escape anywhere else. U. Unknown.	C Other Published Material
Identify other regions: <p>Halogeton exists in several other states, but only in ecological types that it has already invaded in CA.</p> Sources of information: <p>Pavek, Diane S. 1992. Halogeton glomeratus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis. Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553.</p>
Section 3: Distribution
Question 3.1 Ecological amplitude/Range? Refer to Worksheet C and select the one letter below that indicates the number of different ecological types that this species invades. A. Widespread: the species invades at least three major types or at least six minor types. B. Moderate: the species invades two major types or five minor types. C. Limited: the species invades only one major type and two to four minor types. D. Narrow: the species invades only one minor type. U. Unknown.	B Observational
Halogeton was first identified in CA in 1949 in eastern Lassen County along the Nevada Border. The infestation was primarly confined to the Sierra Army Depot at Herlong. From 1954-1980, Halogeton spread to Inyo, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Modoc, Mono, and Nevada Counties. From 1980, Halogeton spread to San Bernardino, Placer, and Siskiyou counties. Specific ecological types in Worksheet C were not confirmed with ecological maps. Sources of information: Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553. Halogeton, Encyloweedia description. Available: http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/weedinfo/HALOGETO2.html Calflora database
Question 3.2 Distribution/Peak frequency? To assess distribution, record the letter that corresponds to the highest percent infested score entered in Worksheet C for any ecological type.	B Observational
Describe distribution: Abundance and distribution varies with yearly rainfall. Most infestation occur in Great Basin portions of CA, either in the trans Sierra Nevada or the Mojave Desert portion of southern California. In 1957, BLM estimated 90,250 acres were infested in CA, but acreage has likely increased significantly. Sources of information: Young, James; Martinelli, Philip; Eckert, Richard; and Evans, Raymond. 1999. Halogeton: A History of Mid-20th Century Range Conservation in the Intermountain Area. USDA-ARS Misc. Publication 1553. Halogeton, Encyloweedia description. Available: http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/weedinfo/HALOGETO2.html Calflora database

Worksheet A - Innate reproductive potential

Reaches reproductive maturity in 2 years or less	Yes
Dense infestations produce >1,000 viable seed per square meter	Yes
Populations of this species produce seeds every year.	Yes
Seed production sustained over 3 or more months within a population annually	No
Seeds remain viable in soil for three or more years	Yes
Viable seed produced with both self-pollination and cross-pollination	Yes
Has quickly spreading vegetative structures (rhizomes, roots, etc.) that may root at nodes	No
Fragments easily and fragments can become established elsewhere	No
Resprouts readily when cut, grazed, or burned	No
Total points:	7
Total unknowns:	0
Total score:	A? Scoring Criteria for Worksheet A A. High reproductive potential (6 or more points). B. Moderate reproductive potential (4-5 points). C. Low reproductive potential (3 points or less and less than 3 Unknowns). U. Unknown (3 or fewer points and 3 or more Unknowns).

Related traits:

Worksheet B - Arizona Ecological Types is not included here

Worksheet C - California Ecological Types

(sensu Holland 1986)

Major Ecological Types	Minor Ecological Types	Code? A means >50% of type occurrences are invaded; B means 20% to 50%; C means 5% to 20%; D means present but <5%; U means unknown (unable to estimate percentage of occurrences invaded)
Marine Systems	marine systems
Freshwater and Estuarine	lakes, ponds, reservoirs
Aquatic Systems	rivers, streams, canals
Aquatic Systems	estuaries
Dunes	coastal
	desert
	interior
Scrub and Chaparral	coastal bluff scrub
	coastal scrub
	Sonoran desert scrub
	Mojavean desert scrub (incl. Joshua tree woodland)	C, 5% - 20%
	Great Basin scrub	B, 20% - 50%
	chenopod scrub	C, 5% - 20%
	montane dwarf scrub
	Upper Sonoran subshrub scrub
	chaparral
Grasslands, Vernal Pools, Meadows, and other Herb Communities	coastal prairie	U, Unknown
	valley and foothill grassland	C, 5% - 20%
	Great Basin grassland
	vernal pool
	meadow and seep	U, Unknown
	alkali playa
	pebble plain
Bog and Marsh	bog and fen
Bog and Marsh	marsh and swamp
Riparian and Bottomland habitat	riparian forest
	riparian woodland	U, Unknown
	riparian scrub (incl.desert washes)
Woodland	cismontane woodland	D, < 5%
	piñon and juniper woodland
	Sonoran thorn woodland
Forest	broadleaved upland forest
	North Coast coniferous forest
	closed cone coniferous forest
	lower montane coniferous forest
	upper montane coniferous forest
	subalpine coniferous forest
Alpine Habitats	alpine boulder and rock field
Alpine Habitats	alpine dwarf scrub
	Amplitude (breadth):	B
	Distribution (highest score):	B

Infested Jepson Regions

Click here for a map of Jepson regions

Cascade Range
Sierra Nevada
Southwest
Great Basin Province
Modoc Plateau
Sierra Nevada East
Mojave Desert

California Invasive Plant Council

Protecting California’s environment and economy from invasive plants

Plant Assessment Form

More Halogeton glomeratus resources

Halogeton glomeratus

Evaluator(s)

List committee members

General Comments

Table 2. Criteria, Section, and Overall Scores

Table 3. Documentation

Worksheet A - Innate reproductive potential

Related traits:

Worksheet C - California Ecological Types

Infested Jepson Regions