Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact Sanders and Minnich (2000) report that, "Dense stands of B. tournefortii appear to suppress native wildflowers. Because of its early phenology, it appears to monopolise available soil moisture as it builds canopy and matures seed long before many native species have begun to flower. This species also locally dominates exotic grasslands in dry, open sites, especially disturbed areas. It expands over larger areas when drought suppresses other exotic annuals such as Bromus rubens, Avena fatua, Brassica geniculata, and Erodium cicutarium. B. tournefortii increases fuel loads and fire hazard in desert scrub and coastal sage scrub. It also establishes from a soil seed bank after fire." Van Devender et al. (1997) identify B. tournefortii as one of six weeds (the other five being grasses: Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens, Pennisetum ciliare, P. setaceum, Schismus arabicus, and S. barbatus) that have the potential to cause the most ecological damage in the Sonoran Desert Region. B. tournefortii is especially common in sandy lowland habitats across the Sonoran Desert, including low dunes, interdune troughs, sandy flats, and sandy-gravelly washes.          Location Specific Impacts: Sonoran Desert, Arizona (United States (USA))   Competition: Sanders and Minnich (2000) report that, "Dense stands of Brassica tournefortii appear to suppress native wildflowers. Because of its early phenology, it appears to monopolize available soil moisture as it builds canopy and matures seed long before many native species have begun to flower Interaction with other invasive species: Sanders and Minnich (2000) report that, "It expands over larger areas when drought suppresses other exotic annuals such as Bromus rubens, Avena fatua, Brassica geniculata, and Erodium cicutarium." Modification of fire regime: Sanders and Minnich (2000) report that, "Brassica tournefortii increases fuel loads and fire hazard in desert scrub and coastal sage scrub." Arizona (United States (USA))   Economic/Livelihoods: Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious & Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW) has polled land management agencies in California and Arizona to estimate the cost of controlling Sahara mustard in the two states. The minimum estimate to control this one weed and restore damaged habitats is $126 million for one year (Ecoseeds mustard site) (Invaders of the Sonoran Desert Region, undated). California (United States (USA))   Economic/Livelihoods: Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious & Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW) has polled land management agencies in California and Arizona to estimate the cost of controlling Sahara mustard in the two states. The minimum estimate to control this one weed and restore damaged habitats is $126 million for one year (Ecoseeds mustard site) (Invaders of the Sonoran Desert Region, undated).