Characteristics and Control of Camelthorn

Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Desv. (camelthorn) was in troduced into California about 1915, and into the State of WVashington about 1935. Here, it was declared a primary noxious weed in 1955. Seeds scarified wvith sulfuric acid germinated 90-98 per cent at 25 C. Some seeds were viable after burial one year in soil or submergence for 9 months in running wvater. Seedlings in the infested area were found only in bovine manure. Tests indicated scarification and transportation of seed in the rumeni could accelerate the spread of camelthorn. Lack of favorable moisture and soil temperature at the same time prevented establishment of camelthorn planted1 at several locations. Eradication restulted from treatment with 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid (2,3,6-TBA). Three repeated sprays with esters of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) within a growinig season gave control; howvever, conitrol did not appeaar to be directly related to depletioni of reserve foods in the