VETCH INFESTATIONS IN ALASKA

Vetch is one of many problematic non-native plants that have become prevalent along Alaska's picturesque highways. Known by the common names tufted vetch, bird vetch and cow vetch; Vicia cracca has infested many disturbed areas in south central and interior Alaska. Visual surveys and intensive communication with industry professionals indicate vetch presence in significant amounts in the core area of Mat-Su, Fairbanks and Anchorage with smaller areas present in Seward, Girdwood, Homer, Suton, Soldotna, Delta Junction, Nenana, Denali Park, a few runways along the Kuskakwim River, and sporadically along the Parks Highway. Though infestations are considered a problem, more research in needed to determine the invasiveness of this species before eradication control measures are implemented. Including this species in a general weed management plant is appropriate. Care must be taken not to misidentify other native legumes with similar growth habits as the problem vetch. Many strategies are affective at controlling it but mowing is preferred.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwddes/research/assets/pdf/fhwa_ak_rd_02_11.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

  3132 Channel Drive
  Juneau, AK  United States  99801-7898
• Authors:
  • Nolen, A
• Publication Date: 2002-9-30

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 39 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brush control; Mowing; Native plants; Plants; Roadside flora; Vegetation control; Weed control; Weeds
• Uncontrolled Terms: Infestations; Nonindigenous species; Vetch
• Geographic Terms: Alaska
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00942300
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-AK-RD-02-11
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: May 12 2003 12:00AM