Satellite Remote Sensing to Predict Potential Distribution of Dyers Woad (Isatis tinctoria)

Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper spectral data and field survey information were combined to identify specific land cover types associated with 1741 dyers woad infestation points on the Cache National Forest in northern Utah. Ten of 60 possible cover types were strongly associated with current dyers woad infestations, and therefore considered highly suited to establishment and survival of the weed. Non-infested land of the same "highly suited" cover types comprised an additional 24 714 ha within the 149 021-ha study area, suggesting the potential for an eventual 124-fold increase in dyers woad incidence on the forest.