Christina Lake residents are being asked to do their part in preventing the spread of jointed goatgrass, after becoming one of the latest communities in B.C. with reported sightings.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) defines jointed goatgrass as an invasive weed that competes for water and nutrients, reducing the quality and yield of wheat and other crops.
“It will affect the yield and quality and can overtake the whole crop as well. If jointed goatgrass is found in a crop and overtakes that crop, it can have a huge negative impact on the industry,” said CFIA plant health operations specialist Scott Sowa.
Identifying jointed goatgrass
The plant grows to about 40-60 centimetres tall and resembles wheat. However, unlike wheat, jointed goatgrass has narrow cylindrical spikes and evenly spaced hairs extending from its leaf blades.
“The spikes are composed of a series of spikelets, each with a long bristle containing seeds. And the spikes are partially embedded in the stem,” explained Sowa.
He said treatment options depend on the level of infestation and its proximity to high-risk crops (i.e. wheat).
Reporting and treatment
Usually, treatment includes hand pulling or herbicide application, along with deep burial of affected plants.
“If anyone does suspect that they may have jointed goatgrass on their land, or sees it growing in the wild, we would strongly suggest reporting it to the CFIA and we’ll follow up.”
The invasive plant is regulated under B.C.’s Weed Control Act and Canada’s Plant Protection Act, meaning property owners are legally required to manage it.
Allowing it to spread can lead to legal consequences, in addition to damage to neighbouring farmland.
“CFIA does have the authority to order somebody to treat or remove that plant. If somebody does not follow those treatment orders, we can take further enforcement actions. That could be a letter of compliance or administrative monetary penalties, but it depends on the case,” said Sowa.
Prevention and eradication
Removal isn’t the only way to prevent its spread.
Sowa recommends ensuring you’re using clean and uncontaminated seed, and keeping farm equipment clean and free from soil or plant debris when moving into different fields.
He added that jointed goatgrass can also be spread with human assistance.
“It can be spread on footwear, vehicles, or equipment. So ensure that your footwear and clothes are free from any plant debris and soil, to make sure that the seeds of jointed goatgrass do not get spread to unwanted places.”
Jointed goatgrass is not toxic to humans or animals, but it can displace native species and harm biodiversity.
Its seeds can persist in the soil for years, making eradication costly and time-consuming – but, Sowa pointed out, not impossible.
“We had detections in Ontario where we were successful in its eradication with our annual and targeted surveillance plans. Once we know it’s detected in an area, we then start working with the landowner to carry out those treatment options and ensure all plants are removed.”
Surveillance continues for years afterward to ensure it doesn’t reappear after an area has been eradicated.
Several sightings have already been reported in our province, including Christina Lake, Enderby, Oliver, Penticton, and Osoyoos.
For more information on jointed goatgrass and a link to report sightings, click here.
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