Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) is an invasive annual winter grass that currently infests 17 western US states, causing massive economic and environmental damage. One of the biggest challenges associated with Medusahead control is providing access of the latest relevant research describing field trial outcomes to stakeholders such as land managers and practitioners who typically do not utilize peer-reviewed literature. To address this need, several members of UC Cooperative Extension (Elise Gornish, Restoration Specialist; Theresa Bechetti, Farm Advisor; and Josh Davy, Livestock Advisor) developed a presentation (Power Point slides + notes) that anyone can use to teach clientele about the history and current knowledge of Medusahead ecology and control. The presentation was made with the intention that individuals with little to no knowledge of Medusahead could review all slides and notes to subsequently provide a presentation that covers the majority of ecological data relevant to management of the weed.

The presentation is available for free download at the UC Weed Research and Information Center (http://wric.ucdavis.edu). A smaller Word document that could be used as a handout at a workshop or field day was also developed. Widespread use and sharing of these documents is strongly encouraged. Comments related to the utility of the presentation are welcome. Please contact one of the creators.