Comparing the cost and effectiveness of conventional

herbicides vs. alternative methods Randy Prostak

UMass Extension Weed SpecialistSUASCO CISMAMarch 13, 2012

ComparingNon-selective

Products

Natural or Organic Products

Products contain:- acetic acid - citric acid- clove oil - orange extract

Claim often made “RU alternative”Overall performance - provides foliar burn only - weeds must be young - better on broadleaf than grasses - good spray coverage = inc. $ - many repeat apps. on perennials

Dead from application

Regrowth

Better on broadleaves than grasses dueto location of growing points.

Weak onperennials weeds

Natural or Organic Products

- orange extractRTU - $ 8.95 for 24ozconcentrate - $60 for 1 gallon

- mix spray preparation 19, 25 or 50% v/v- spray output - greater than 50 gal/A

dense perennial weeds > 150 gal/A

Advertisement states “Test shows that new herbicide containing vinegar will control Canada thistle”

Original research looked at seedling Canada thistle - the seedlings of perennial weeds can be controlled as if they were annuals.

20% or 200 grain acetic acid

- 35 fluid oz. ready-to-use - $12.95

- One gallon ready-to-use - $24.95 + shipping

- Four one gallon jugs - $75.00 - free shipping

- Eight one gallon jugs - $150.00 - free shipping

Might be 200 or more gallons per acre.

Might be useful on annual and biennial invasive plants such as:

Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineummile-a-minute weed Persicaria perfoliatagarlic mustard Alliaria petiolata

Might be useful on annual and biennial invasive plants such as:

Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineummile-a-minute weed Persicaria perfoliatagarlic mustard Alliaria petiolata

Could be effective on perennial invasive plants with repeat

applications that would implement carbohydrate starvation.

Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

mile-a-minute weedPolygonum perfoliatum or Persicaria perfoliata

mile-a-minute weedPolygonum perfoliatum or Persicaria perfoliata

mile-a-minute weedPolygonum perfoliatum or Persicaria perfoliata

mile-a-minute weedPolygonum perfoliatum or Persicaria perfoliata

garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata

Timing ofManagement Strategies

Year??Species??Strategy??Goal??

Reward (diquat) - contact type - best on annuals, perennials weak- very quick acting

a

Scythe (pelargonic acid) - contact type- great as sucker remover

Finale (glufosinate) - not strongly translocated- annuals, perennials?? - less injury with drift, perennials weak

Roundup Pro, Prosecutor, Touchdown PRO (glyphosate or sulfosate) - strongly translocated - caution to prevent “collateral damage” from drift- beware of thin bark trees- all formulations are NOT the same

Comparing Non-selective Products

AQUAMASTER:$82 for 2.5 gal container

$32.80 per gallon$8.20 per quart

ACCORD:$156.99 for 2.5 gal container

$62.80 per gallon$15.70 per quart

1 quarts/acre = $8.20 to $15.702 quarts/acre = $16.40 to $31.40

glyphosate

Mechanical and/or Hand-pulling. OK or not OK???

Disturbance can be problematic!!

Do your best to prevent the disturbance of soil and leaf-litter layer!

Herbicides might be a better option in some situations or attempts can be made to cover the disturbed area.

HEAVY, MEDIUM, LIGHT, and MINI $82.00 - $189.00

Weed Wrench - good for woody plants

and invasives

Thank you for your attention!! rprostak@umext.umass.edu

413-577-1738