Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the specific methods proposed in the reading passage.

The article introduces the topic of troublesome cheatgrass in North America. More specifically, the writer offers three suggestions to deal with this invasive grass. In the listening passage, the lecturer is quick to point out that there are some major flaws in the writer's claim. In fact, he believes that these suggestions are not likely to work, and addresses, in detail, the problem with each point made in the reading text. First, the author states that cattle and other grazers should be led to eat cheatgrass and therefore decrease the population of this plant. The lecturer, however, stands in firm opposition to this offer. He goes on to say that grazers are not that fond of cheatgrass, and they will eat native grass as long as they are available. As a matter of fact, they only eat cheatgrass when there is nothing else left. Hence, this will actually have detrimental effects because while there is some cheatgrass left, all the other native grasses are eaten. The author also claims that these harmful plants could be eradicated by setting them on fire. Again, the speaker refutes this very notion when he asserts that while fire can burn those plants and seeds that are above the ground, the seeds that are under the ground will remain safe and sound. Therefore, even if the grass on the surface is burned it will be quickly replaced by seeds that are in the soil. Finally, the author brings his argument to a close by suggesting the use of a fungal parasite that inhibits the reproduction of these dangerous grass. As expected, the professor takes issues with this idea by contending that cheatgrass and this fungal have evolved beside each other for thousands of years and cheatgrass is not that vulnerable to this parasite anymore. While this fungal can kill some old and unhealthy plants, the young and strong ones would not be affected by it, hence, it is not an effective measure.
Submitted by Pouria Zakeri on
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