Combining glyphosate with burning or mowing improves control of Yellow Bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum)

Rangeland Ecology and Management
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Oklahoma State University; National Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
By: , and 

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Abstract

The invasive yellow bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum [L.] Keng) threatens native biodiversity, and its control is of interest to land managers involved in restoration of invaded grasslands. We used single, double, and triple applications of glyphosate (2.125 kg ai.ha-1.application-1) over the course of one growing season in combinations at different timings (early, middle, late season) with and without a mechanical treatment of mowing or burning to determine the most effective control method. One year after treatment, burning and mowing prior to a mid-season single or double early, middle, and/or late season herbicide application resulted in a similar level of control of yellow bluestem relative to a triple herbicide application, all of which had greater control relative to herbicide treatment alone. Reproductive tiller density and visual obstruction increased 2 yr after treatment with two herbicide treatments applied either early and middle season or early and late season, but it was prevented with burning and mowing prior to herbicide application. With the exception of three herbicide applications, combining burning or mowing with herbicide applications provided more effective control of yellow bluestem than any individual herbicide applications. Burning or mowing likely improves glyphosate effectiveness by altering the invasive grass structure so that plants are clear of standing dead and have shorter, active regrowth to enhance herbicide effectiveness. During restoration projects requiring control of invasive yellow bluestem, an effective management option is a combination of mechanical and chemical control.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Combining glyphosate with burning or mowing improves control of Yellow Bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum)
Series title Rangeland Ecology and Management
DOI 10.2111/REM-D-11-00198.1
Volume 66
Issue 3
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher Society for Range Management
Publisher location Lakewood, CO
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 6 p.
First page 376
Last page 381
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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