USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory: History and Current Research on Western North American Rangelands

James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Kip E. Panter, Kevin D. Welch, Lynn F. James

Abstract


• Poisonous plants on western North American rangelands have historically been troublesome to livestock producers.
• Research on toxic plants was initiated by the United States Department of Agriculture in the late 1890s to solve problems for the livestock industry.
• TheUnited States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Resource Service Poisonous PlantResearch Laboratory in Logan, Utah continues to provide research-based solutions to poisonous plant problems besetting livestock producers, hobby farmers and small holders, veterinarians, and extension personnel.
• Principal plants of current research interest include larkspur, lupine, locoweed, selenium accumulating plants, pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing plants, and ponderosa pine.

Keywords: poisonous plants, cattle, sheep, livestock, toxic, plant secondary compounds.


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