MANHATTAN — Experts are sounding the alarm about the newest green monster to invade Kansas — old world bluestem. Researchers say the invader could be a bigger threat to Kansas prairies and pastures and harder to control than sericea lespedeza. Old world bluestem actually describes a group of grasses. The two species that represent the biggest threat are yellow bluestem and Caucasian bluestem. Livestock avoid grazing the grasses. Researchers Karen Hickman, of Oklahoma State, Mitch Greer, of Fort Hays State, and Keith Harmoney, of the Kansas State Extension Service, will discuss the grasses during two seminars: Sept, 18 at the Fort Hays State Agricultural Research Center, and Sept. 21 at the Greensburg Community Building. Ironically, the grasses were introduced to the western Great Plains and quickly crowded out more desirable forage.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 4 p.m.
