Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) is an aggressive grass species that can invade and dominate areas with moist soils. Dense stands of reed canarygrass are a particular concern in wildlife management areas managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). Herbicides have become a commonly-used tool to control reed canarygrass by NGPC because other control practices have been largely ineffective. The objective of this study was to compare two common herbicides in the control of reed canarygrass. The study was conducted in open areas under mature stands of eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) trees at the Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area in eastern Nebraska. Following a March wildfire in 2014, three herbicide treatments were applied in mid-May: glyphosate broadcast-sprayed at 0.56 kg ai ha-2, clethodim broadcast-sprayed at 0.10 kg ai ha-2, and a no spray control. At the end of the growing season in October, canopy cover of reed canarygrass, other grasses, sedges, forbs, and woody plants were estimated in 20 quadrats (20 x 50 cm) in each treatment area. Species richness increased in both herbicide treatments with 23 species in the glyphosate treatment, 12 species in the clethodim treatment, and 8 species occurring in the control area. Reed canarygrass decreased from 92% cover in the control area to 85% cover in the clethodim treatment and 12% cover in the glyphosate treatment. Percentage cover of grasses, forbs, and woody plants increased in both herbicide treatments. Percentage cover of sedges increased in the glyphosate treatment compared to the control plot and showed a decrease in cover in the clethodim treatment. Spring application of glyphosate following fire appears to be an effective tool in controlling reed canarygrass but follow-up management of the treated area is likely required to maintain longer-term control of this invasive species.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.