FALL 2016

TechLine INNOVATIVE RESEARCH, SUCCESS STORIES, AND TIPS FOR INVASIVE MANAGERS INVASIVE PLANT NEWS WESTERN RANGE & WILDLANDS EDITION

IN THIS ISSUE: Twenty Years of Success: Managing Tansy Ragwort in Northwestern ... 3 Controlling Tansy Ragwort in Natural Areas ... 4 Synthetic Auxin Herbicides Control Germinating Scotch Broom ... 7 HARRINGTON TIM Logging Debris and Herbicide Treatments for Controlling Scotch Broom ... 8 Celebrating the STEVE DEWEY, UTAH STATE UNIV, BUGWOOD.ORG UNIV, STATE UTAH DEWEY, STEVE Centennial: Volunteers Unite in Glacier National Park BioBlitz ... 10 Managing Scotch thistle on Rangeland and Natural Areas ... 12 STEVE DEWEY, UTAH STATE UNIV, BUGWOOD.ORG UNIV, STATE UTAH DEWEY, STEVE Saint Johnswort Biology, Impact and Management ...14 Enter Invasive Plant Photo Contest Until October 14 ... 2 CELESTINE DUNCAN CELESTINE STEVE DEWEY, UTAH STATE UNIV, BUGWOOD.ORG UNIV, STATE UTAH DEWEY, STEVE BRIEFS MEET THE TECHLINE TEAM READER SURVEY

HOW ARE WE DOING? Help TechLine News editors give you the information you need to improve your weed management program! Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve upon sharing information that is accurate, timely, and relevant to CELESTINE DUNCAN MELISSA MUNSON DARBY BRAMBLE you. http://bit.ly/techlinesurvey EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR/ CIRCULATION/ Celestine is editor and CREATIVE OUTREACH TM primary author for Melissa is copy-editor, Darby coordinates Vastlan Specialty TechLine. Owner of creative and production subscriptions, customer Herbicide Replaces Weed Management manager for TechLine’s care, and social media Services since 1988, electronic and print relations with our Garlon® 3A Celestine earned her publications. Since audience. With a degree BS in Agronomy/ earning her BS in in Environmental VastlanTM is a herbicide developed Horticulture from New Biology/Botany from the Studies from Western by Dow AgroSciences for the control Mexico State University University of Montana in University, of woody plant and annual and MS in Agronomy 1996, Melissa has worked Darby has conducted and perennial broadleaf on [Weed Science] from with invasive plant outreach and field-work industrial vegetation management, Montana State University. researchers, educators, for federal, state and non- aquatic, Conservation Reserve Program She also conducts field and managers–as a field profit agencies across the (CRP), range and permanent grass research, environmental biologist, teacher, writer/ West. pastures sites and grasses grown for assessments, and training editor, and designer. hay. Vastlan herbicide is formulated programs throughout the Melissa owns Hibou as a soluble liquid (SL) and contains Northwest on invasive Creative Services in 4 pounds acid equivalent per gallon . Helena, Montana. (lbs ae/ gallon) of triclopyr choline. The choline formulation of triclopyr reduced the signal from “Danger” on Garlon® 3A to “Warning”. This reduced toxicity and higher concentration sets Vastlan Send us your best shots of herbicide apart from its predecessor terrestrial INVASIVE PLANTS and terrestrial Garlon 3A. Grass tolerance and weed 2016 invasive plant MANAGEMENT IN ACTION for control spectrum of Vastlan herbicide is the same as Garlon 3A. Vastlan is TechLine’s 2nd annual photo contest and a registered for use in 47 states, excluding PHOTO chance to win a $200 prize. California, , and Florida. WHEN TO ENTER: August 15 to October 14, 2016 APPLICATION RATE CONVERSION FOR GARLON® CONTEST 3A TO VASTLAN™ SPECIALTY HERBICIDE WHAT TO ENTER: Your original photographs of terrestrial invasive plants or terrestrial invasive plant Garlon 3A has 3 lb acid equivalent per gallon management in action. (ae/gallon) and Vastlan has 4 lb ae/gallon.

WHY ENTER: You’ll win a prize! The winner of each TM category will receive a gift card to Forestry Suppliers or GARLON® 3A VASTLAN REI ($200 value). (3 lb ae/gal) (4 lb ae/gal) 2 pints/Acre = 1.5 pints/Acre FIND DETAILS AT 3 pints/Acre = 2.25 pints/Acre http://techlinenews.com/photo-contest 4 pints/Acre = 3 pints/Acre Subscribe at http://techlinenews.com/subscribe/ 6 pints/Acre = 4.5 pints/Acre to receive contest updates. 8 pints/Acre = 6 pints/Acre (4 quarts) (3 quarts)

2 | WESTERN RANGE & WILDLANDS EDITION. FALL 2016 TWENTY YEARS OF SUCCESS: Managing Tansy Ragwort in Northwestern Montana UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG UNIVERSITY, STATE UTAH

TANSY RAGWORT ESTABLISHES EASILY IN DISTURBED SITES SUCH AS SLASH PILES AND AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN LOGGED (LEFT). TANSY RAGWORT FLOWERS (ABOVE) DAN WILLIAMS DAN

By Celestine Duncan PROJECT FUNDING igh temperatures, windy through an integrated approach. conditions and lack of A key funding partner in the Management components include: project is the Montana Noxious precipitation created extreme Weed Trust Fund (NWTF), which wildfire conditions in 1) inventory/mapping and monitoring H provided more than $1.9 million northwest Montana during the summer of 2) control and containment to control tansy ragwort since 1994. The Little Wolf Fire began in August 3) use of biological control agents and 1994. Approximately 12 percent of that year, burning over 15,000 acres of related research of the budget has gone directly national forest and private timber lands. toward rearing, screening, and “Tansy ragwort was probably already 4) road closures and grazing restrictions distribution of biological control present as scattered plants when the wild- 5) public education agents on tansy ragwort and fire burned,” explains Dan Williams, weed invasive hawkweeds. 6) a plan for cross jurisdictional coordinator in Lincoln County. “But, two The Montana NWTF grant years after the fire, the ragwort infestation cooperation program was established by the exploded within the burned area.” “The project has always been a coop- 1985 Montana Legislature to Open sites created by the burn and distur- erative effort between the Forest Service, provide funding for the develop- bance from fire-fighting activities provided county weed districts, state Departments of ment and implementation of ideal habitat for tansy ragwort. Initial esti- Agriculture and Natural Resources, a large weed management programs mates suggested that about 1,000 acres were private timber company, local landown- in the state. Since its inception, more than $58.2 million dollars infested by the weed; but subsequent sur- ers and other partners,” Williams explains. in grants has been awarded to veys recorded 15,000 acres of tansy ragwort “We were fortunate that several biological support integrated manage- scattered within a 500,000-acre perimeter. control specialists with the Forest Service ment of noxious weeds in the The County Weed District and other part- and Montana State University were able to state (includes research, public ners organized a cooperative weed manage- secure from and establish re- education, and on-ground ment area (CWMA) and developed man- lease sites in the area early in the project.” management). The program agement plans to contain tansy ragwort. Three insects including the cinnabar is administered by Montana The goal of the Tansy Ragwort CWMA is moth, tansy ragwort seed and tansy rag- Department of Agriculture. to restrict populations of tansy ragwort to wort flea beetle were collected and tested existing areas and prevent further expansion for survival and suitability for tansy ragwort Continued on page 4...

TECHLINENEWS.COM | 3 ... Continued from page 3

control in northwestern Montana (See on this page, Control- ling Tansy Ragwort). The was established on the site by 1999 followed by the other two insects. The cinnabar moth has proved to be the most successful of the three insects in reducing tansy ragwort density in Montana. Biological control agents were integrated with the herbi- cide treatment program to reduce larger core populations of tansy ragwort. Milestone® or Transline® specialty her- bicides are applied to tansy ragwort along roadsides, small newly established infestations, and on the perimeter of some of the larger tansy ragwort infestations where insects were released. “We apply Milestone at 6 fluid ounces per acre (fl oz/A) on the majority of infestations and have had good results,” says Williams. “Transline at 1 pint per acre (pt/A) is used under sensitive trees and shrubs.” Both herbicides are ap-

plied to tansy ragwort from rosette through bloom stage, BUGWOOD.ORG AGRICULTURE, OF DEPT OREGON COOMBS, ERIC and in the fall. Williams explains they are getting complete control of tansy ragwort with Milestone regardless of plant growth Controlling stage. “Plants in the mid to late bloom stage will likely pro- duce viable seed if flower heads aren’t clipped. But, we do an excellent job of controlling rosettes and seedling ger- Tansy Ragwort in mination with late summer and fall applications of Mile- stone,” Williams explains. The CWMA achieved dramatic reductions in tansy rag- Natural Areas wort populations by integrating effective biological control agents with herbicides treatments. Their success has led to By Celestine Duncan creation of other cooperative weed management areas in northwestern Montana. “Consistent surveys, monitoring, and public education Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a winter annual, bi- are key components for meeting our goal,” says Williams. ennial, or short-lived perennial plant in the sunflower “By mapping the infestation we can track the spread or de- family. The plant was unintentionally introduced into cline of the infestation and adjust management methods about 1850, occurred in the state of Washing- to maximize control. Monitoring previously treated areas ton by 1901 (Rice 2015), and is currently reported in and surveying the outer edge of the infestation for new 14 states and four Canadian provinces (Figure 1). The plants also let us know if our containment efforts are work- plant is classified as a noxious weed in seven west- ing. Establishing biological control agents in core ragwort ern states (AZ, OR, WA, CA, MT, CO and ID), two populations, and using herbicides on the perimeters of in- eastern states (CT and MA), and Canadian provinces. festations, along roadsides and on newly invading plants Tansy ragwort spreads mainly in hay, or on contami- reduces the occurrence of new infestations outside of the infestation perimeter.” Counties in northwestern Montana rely heavily on pro- ceeds from timber production, livestock and wildlife for- age production, recreational access, and agriculture—all of which are at risk from tansy ragwort invasion. The success Tansy ragwort of this project is critical to safeguard the social and eco- is a prohibited nomic base of communities in this region. noxious weed in Arizona but is not currently estab-

®Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Milestone is 2016 DATABASE PLANTS USDA not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine lished in the state if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Label precautions apply to forage treated with (McGrew pers. Milestone and to manure from that have consumed treated forage within the last three days. comm.). Consult the label for full details. State restrictions on the sale and use of Transline apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions. FIGURE 1. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF TANSY RAG- Active ingredients for herbicide products mentioned in this article: Milestone (aminopyralid), Transline (clopyralid). WORT IN THE AND CANADA

4 | WESTERN RANGE & WILDLANDS EDITION. FALL 2016 DAN WILLIAMS DAN WILLIAMS DAN FIGURE 2. TANSY RAGWORT HAS YELLOW DAISY-LIKE FLOWER HEADS WITH GOLDEN FIGURE 3. TANSY RAGWORT USUALLY GROWS AS A BIENNIAL, FORMING A ROSETTE TO LIGHT BROWN CENTERS LOCATED ON THE END OF STEMS. THE FIRST YEAR AND FLOWERING AND PRODUCING SEED IN THE SECOND YEAR. LEAVES ARE DEEPLY PINNATELY DISSECTED INTO IRREGULAR SEGMENTS, GIVING THE PLANT A RAGGED APPEARANCE. nated equipment and vehicles. The in- percent in and pastures. to excellent control one year follow- vasive plant is well suited to disturbed The invasive plant is poisonous to ing application (Figure 4). Results sites such as roadsides, open forests, some types of livestock and wildlife from operational control programs logged areas, burned sites, and over- including cattle, deer, horses and in northwestern Montana and north- grazed meadows and pastures. goats. Sheep are able to consume the eastern support the applica- plant without harmful effects. Tansy tion of Milestone at 5 or 7 fl oz/A Identification and Spread ragwort contains pyrrolizidine al- for tansy ragwort control (Williams kaloids, which primarily affect the and Martinson personal communica- Tansy ragwort can reach more than liver. In susceptible animals, liver tion). four feet in height. The plant usually cells are slowly killed and prevented The optimum time to apply herbi- grows as a biennial, but can remain in from regenerating. The poisonous cides to control tansy ragwort plants a rosette stage for several years before pyrrolizidine alkaloids are present in and stop seed production is at rosette bolting and producing seed. Mechan- actively growing plants, and in plants to early bolt stage in spring, or to fall ical damage to tansy ragwort such that are cut, dry and in hay or silage. rosettes. as mowing can also cause the plant Reduced weight gain, liver degrada- to persist more than two years. The In northwestern Montana, spot tion, lower butterfat content in milk treatment of plants occurs from plant has a basal rosette of leaves, and sudden death of an can and the upper parts are branched. rosette through early bloom stage be caused by ingesting tansy ragwort. with Milestone at 6 fl oz/A. Tansy Leaves are deeply pinnately dissected When symptoms of tansy ragwort into irregular segments giving the ragwort is often difficult to locate poisoning appear, it is too late to save until the plant blooms; thus, treat- plant a ragged appearance. Yellow the animal; thus, the best prevention daisy-like flower heads with golden ments continue through the summer measure is to removal the plant from months into fall in some operational to light brown centers form at the tip pastures. Alkaloids in tansy ragwort of each branch from mid-summer to programs. Clipping, bagging and pollen also taint honey, making it bit- removing flower heads from the in- fall. Tansy ragwort spreads primarily ter, off-color and unmarketable. by seed, which are dispersed within fested site may be necessary to stop about 30 feet of the parent plant. Management seed production at mid- to late-flower Seed can remain viable for more than growth stage. Tansy ragwort rosettes and seedlings that are growing in as- 10 years. Tansy ragwort can also re- HERBICIDES produce from crown buds under envi- sociation with mature plants will be Tansy ragwort can be effectively controlled, and residual properties ronmental or mechanical stress (Fig- controlled using selective broadleaf ures 2 and 3). of Milestone will stop seedling estab- herbicides. Field studies conducted lishment during the fall. on tansy ragwort show that Mile- Impacts stone® specialty herbicide at 4 to 7 GRAZING Tansy ragwort can reduce desirable fluid ounces per acre (fl oz/A) or Managing grazing livestock to sup- ® forage production by as much as 50 Transline specialty herbicide at 1 port a vigorous desirable plant com- pint per acre (pt/A) provided good Continued on page 6... TECHLINENEWS.COM | 5 ... Continued from page 5 munity is recommended to prevent FIGURE 4. PERCENT TANSY RAGWORT CONTROL WITH VARIOUS HERBICIDES THE SEASON OF tansy ragwort invasion into new TREATMENT AND ONE YEAR AFTER TREATMENT. (DAA=DAYS AFTER APPLICATION) pastures or re-invasion in previously infested pastures. Sheep are immune to the plant’s toxic alkaloids and will- ingly graze young plants. In New Zealand, intensive sheep grazing is utilized to manage tansy ragwort. Tansy ragwort is poisonous to cattle, horses and goats. To prevent death of susceptible livestock, tansy ragwort density must be less than one plant per square yard and occupy not more than 25 percent of a pasture.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL Hand digging that removes the en- control of tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaeae, L.) tire root crown and upper portion of by the cinnabar moth, Tyria jacobaeae (CL) Three insects, including the cinnabar (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), in the northern Rocky roots will effectively control individu- Mountains. XII International Symposium on moth (Tyria jacobaeae), tansy ragwort al plants and very small infestations. Biological Control of Weeds. [online] Available seed fly ( seneciella) and the http://bugwoodcloud.org/ibiocontrol/ Wearing protective gloves when han- tansy ragwort flea beetle (Longitarsus proceedings/pdf/12_583-588.pdf dling tansy ragwort is recommended Martinson, Alan. Latah County Idaho. Personal jacobaeae) were introduced from 1960 as a precautionary measure. Mowing communication. to1971 in western Oregon and Cali- McGrew, Brian. Arizona Department of fornia to control tansy ragwort. Since is not effective and may cause the Agriculture. Personal Communication Feb. 2016. that time insects have also established plant to develop perennial character- istics. Rice PM. 2015. INVADERS Database System on tansy ragwort infested sites in Or- (http://invader.dbs.umt.edu). Division of egon, Washington, northern Idaho Maintaining a desirable competi- Biological Sciences, University of Montana, tive plant community is critical to Missoula, MT 59812-4824. and northwestern Montana. USDA ARS. 2006. Tansy Ragwort (Senecio The ragwort flea beetles introduced stop reinvasion of tansy ragwort. jacobaea). [online] Available http://www.ars. to the United States before 2002 Shading and competition for light, usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=9988 moisture, and nutrients will make USDA, NRCS. 2015. The PLANTS Database were collected in Italy and are cred- (http://plants.usda.gov, 2 December 2015). ited with control and suppression of survival difficult for tansy ragwort National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC seedlings. 27401-4901 USA. tansy ragwort infestations west of the Williams, Dan. Lincoln County, Montana. Cascades. A Swiss strain of this agent Personal communication. with a different phenology than the Italian strain is believed to be better References adapted to higher elevations, colder ®Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated winters and shorter growing seasons Bain JF. 1991. The biology of Canadian weeds. company of Dow. Milestone is not registered for sale or use in all 96. Senecio jacobaea L. Canadian Journal of Plant typical of tansy ragwort infested ar- states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if Science 71: 127-140. a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Label precautions eas east of the Cascades. Coombs E, Hulting A, Pirelli G, Filley S. 2011. apply to forage treated with Milestone and to manure from animals The insects have successfully re- Tansy Ragwort. Oregon Department of that have consumed treated forage within the last three days. Consult Agriculture and Oregon State University the label for full details. State restrictions on the sale and use of Trans- duced tansy ragwort populations Extension. [online] Available http://extension. line apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. throughout the Pacific Northwest. In oregonstate.edu/douglas/sites/default/files/ Always read and follow label directions. documents/tragwortupdate2011.pdf Oregon, cattle deaths were reduced Active ingredients for herbicide products mentioned in this article: Jacobs J. 2009. Plant Guide for tansy ragwort Milestone (aminopyralid), Transline (clopyralid). by more than 90 percent as a result (Senecio jacobaea L). USDA-Natural Resources of wide-spread establishment. Conservation Service, State Office, Bozeman, MT 59715. [online] http://plants.usda.gov/ Fluctuations in tansy ragwort popu- plantguide/pdf/pg_seja.pdf lations can occur over time based on Littlefield JL, GP Markin, KP Puliafico, AE deMeij. 2008. The release and establishment environmental conditions that favor of the tansy ragwort flea beetle in the either the insect or tansy ragwort northern Rocky Mountains of Montana. XII growth. International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. [online] Available http://www. invasive.org/proceedings/pdfs/12_573-576.pdf OTHER CONTROL METHODS Markin GL and JL Littlefield. 2008. Biological

6 | WESTERN RANGE & WILDLANDS EDITION. FALL 2016 SYNTHETIC AUXIN HERBICIDES CONTROL GERMINATING SCOTCH BROOM TIM HARRINGTON, USDA FOREST SERVICE FOREST USDA HARRINGTON, TIM TIM HARRINGTON, USDA FOREST SERVICE FOREST USDA HARRINGTON, TIM SCOTCH BROOM IN BLOOM (LEFT). A GROWTH CHAMBER WAS USED TO CONDUCT THE SEEDLING GERMINATION STUDY (RIGHT).

trolling established Scotch broom. How- SECONDLY, Milestone has been ever, observations regarding effectiveness used successfully in restoration of EDITOR’S NOTE of -active herbicides in controlling native plant communities, because it The following information was germinating seedlings of Scotch broom controls many nonnative broadleaf summarized by Celestine Duncan are limited. species, yet it is tolerated by a wide from research conducted by Timothy Researchers conducted a series of variety of native grass, forb, and shrub B. Harrington and published in Weed studies in growth chambers beginning species especially when applied at Technology 2014 28: pp 435–442. in 2010 to compare the effectiveness of low rates. Results of this research three soil-active auxin herbicides: amino- indicate that low rates of Milestone Abstract at: http://wssajournals.org/doi/ pyralid (Milestone® specialty herbicide), will provide the added benefit of abs/10.1614/WT-D-13-00170.1 clopyralid (Transline® specialty herbi- controlling germinating Scotch cide) and aminocyclopyrachlor for con- broom. trolling Scotch broom seedling germina- SCOTCH BROOM (CYTISUS SCO- THIRDLY, depending on application tion. Herbicide application rates were 0, PARIUS) IS A LARGE, NONNATIVE rate and time since treatment, the 50 and 100 percent of the maximum la- SHRUB THAT HAS INVADED FOR- herbicides varied in cost per unit of bel broadcast use rate, or Milestone at 0, ESTS AND IN 27 U.S. seedling mortality, with a general 3.5 and 7 fluid ounces per acre (fl oz/A) STATES (Figure 1). The plant was intro- ranking of Milestone the least and Transline at 0, 10.5 and 21 fl oz/A. duced as an ornamental in the 1850s and expensive, followed by Transline, Results of the study showed that is a prolific seeder with individual shrubs and aminocyclopyrachlor (most Scotch broom seedling emergence, mor- producing from 100 to 14,000 seeds per expensive). Both Milestone and tality, and biomass did not vary among year. Once the seeds are buried, their ger- Transline are currently labeled for herbicide treatments 90 days after appli- mination can be delayed for at least five forestry and other use sites including cation. Low herbicide application rates years, resulting in soil seedbanks of 200 grazed areas. (50 percent of the maximum label use to 27,000 seeds per square meter. With- rate) provided 60 to 80 percent control, out treatment, Scotch broom’s persistent whereas 100 percent maximum label use seedbank ensures a continuing source of rate provided 69 to 89 percent control. ______regeneration after soil disturbance. These findings have three important NOTE: While Milestone is not registered for use in forestry in western A variety of fire, herbicide, and me- implications to vegetation management states, Opensight® specialty herbicide (as Special Local Needs (SLN) chanical treatments are effective for con- label in OR, ID, and WA) and Capstone® specialty herbicide (federal in the western United States. label) are registered for use on forest sites. FIGURE 1. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF FIRST, Transline is commonly Active ingredients for herbicide products mentioned in this article: SCOTCH BROOM IN THE UNITED STATES used for herbaceous weed control Milestone (aminopyralid), Transline (clopyralid), Opensight (aminopy- in forestry because it is safe to ralid plus metsulfuron, and Capstone ( aminopyralid plus triclopyr). apply over seedlings of Douglas-fir ® Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Milestone is not registered for sale or use in all (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if and other western conifer species. a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Label precautions Findings from this research confirm apply to forage treated with Milestone and to manure from animals field observations that operational that have consumed treated forage within the last three days. Consult the label for full details. State restrictions on the sale and use of Trans- treatments of Transline reduced line apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. regeneration of Scotch broom from Always read and follow label directions. existing seedbanks. EDDMAPS 2016 EDDMAPS TECHLINENEWS.COM | 7 TIM HARRINGTON, USDA FOREST SERVICE FOREST USDA HARRINGTON, TIM EDITOR’S NOTE FIGURE 1 (ABOVE). PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING HEAVY The following information was summarized by Celestine Duncan from research conducted by T.B. Harrington, RA DEBRIS ON STUDY SITE (TOP), Slesak, and DH Peter and published in the 2013 Proceedings, Western Society of Weed Science. Page 52. LIGHT DEBRIS (MIDDLE), AND http://www.wsweedscience.org//wp-content/uploads/proceedings-archive/2013.pdf MACHINE TRAILS (BOTTOM). Logging Debris and Herbicide Treatments for Controlling Scotch Broom

esearchers conducted a study Study plots were arranged as a ran- planted in February 2013. Scotch near Matlock, Washington domized complete block, split-plot broom regeneration was measured Rinvestigating the potential of design with six replications. Main within 0.1 m2 frames. logging debris and herbicide combi- plots included three soil surface treat- Results of the debris study showed nations to inhibit germination and ments (light debris, heavy debris, and that density of current-year seedlings development of Scotch broom (Cy- machine trails), with debris depths of Scotch broom doubled from June tisus scoparius) seedlings. The study averaging about 6.5, 12.5, and 6 inch- to July, 2012 (1,800 seedlings per site was a mature Douglas-fir forest es respectively (Figure 1). hectare (ha) to 3,800 seedlings/ha that was scheduled for harvest. The Herbicide treatments were applied respectively). In July, broom density forest understory included occasion- in August 2012 with backpack spray- was lower in heavy debris than on al Scotch broom plants that invaded ers. Treatments included Garlon® 4 machine trails, but it did not differ from a previous disturbance, indicat- Ultra specialty herbicide at 2 pounds significantly from that in light debris ing the likely presence of soil-stored (lbs) acid equivalent per acre (ae/A) (Figure 2A). seed. and Milestone® specialty herbicide Results of the herbicide treatments Timber was harvested from the at about 7 fluid ounces per acre (fl showed that the combination of Gar- study area in November and Decem- oz/A) applied either alone or in com- lon 4 Ultra and Milestone reduced ber 2011, and debris plots established. bination. Douglas-fir seedlings were broom density by about 90 percent

8 | WESTERN RANGE & WILDLANDS EDITION. FALL 2016 CONTROLLING INVASIVE WEEDS IN THE FALL CELESTINE DUNCAN CELESTINE

Fall rain and cooler temperatures provide good conditions

TIM HARRINGTON, USDA FOREST SERVICE FOREST USDA HARRINGTON, TIM SERVICE FOREST USDA HARRINGTON, TIM for extending the herbicide ESTIMATING LOGGING DEBRIS MASS HERBICIDE TREATMENTS WERE APPLIED WITH BACKPACK application season. The following SPRAYERS ON AUGUST 13, 2012. species and many others can be effectively controlled in the fall. Follow the links for control recommendations for each species.

RUSSIAN KNAPWEED http://bit.ly/russianknapweed FIGURE 2 A&B. SCOTCH BROOM SEEDLING DENSITY PER HECTARE WITH VARIOUS TREATMENTS: A. DEBRIS SPOTTED & DIFFUSE KNAPWEED STUDY (TOP) AND B. HERBICIDE STUDY (BOTTOM). http://bit.ly/spottedknapweed DATA NOTED BY THE SAME LETTER ARE NOT STATISTICALLY DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER. CANADA THISTLE http://bit.ly/canadathistle UNT = UNTREATED LEAFY SPURGE M = MILESTONE® SPECIALTY HERBICIDE http://bit.ly/leafyspurge G = GARLON® 4 ULTRA SPECIALTY HERBICIDE M+G = MILESTONE AND GARLON 4 ULTRA COMBINED BIENNIAL THISTLES http://bit.ly/biennialthistle ABSINTH WORMWOOD seven weeks after treatment (Figure greater) or application of Garlon 4 http://bit.ly/absinth 2B) compared to non-treated plots. Ultra and Milestone combined was BLACKBERRY Although the herbicide combination the most effective at reducing broom http://bit.ly/blackberrycontrol provided the best control of Scotch seedling density. Both of these treat- YELLOW STARTHISTLE broom, this treatment did not differ ments reduced density of first-year http://bit.ly/yellowstarthistle significantly from plots treated with seedlings by about 90 percent. De- RUSH SKELETONWEED either Garlon 4 Ultra or Milestone bris treatments inhibited broom ger- http://bit.ly/rushskeletonweed alone. mination by altering soil and light In summary, these results suggest environments. COMMON TANSY that either heavy debris (12 inches or http:/bit.ly/commontansy

NOTE: While Milestone is not registered for use in forestry in western ® Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated SOME SPECIES ARE NOT EFFECTIVELY states, Opensight® specialty herbicide (as Special Local Needs (SLN) company of Dow. Milestone is not registered for sale or use in all CONTROLLED IN FALL. For example: label in OR, ID, and WA) and Capstone® specialty herbicide (federal states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if Hawkweeds ( spp.), and label) are registered for use on forest sites. a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Label precautions apply to forage treated with Milestone and to manure from animals annual weeds such as pigweeds Active ingredients for herbicide products mentioned in this article: that have consumed treated forage within the last three days. Milestone (aminopyralid), Garlon 4 Ultra (triclopyr), Opensight (Amaranthus spp.), buffalobur Consult the label for full details. State restrictions on the sale and use (aminopyralid plus metsulfuron), and Capstone ( aminopyralid plus (Solanum rostratum), and kochia of Garlon 4 Ultra apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for triclopyr). (Kochia scoparia). full details. Always read and follow label directions.

TECHLINENEWS.COM | 9 Celebrating the Centennial:

VOLUNTEERS UNITE IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WEED BIOBLITZ By Celestine Duncan CELESTINE DUNCAN CELESTINE

ore than 90 volunteers Centennial. “This is a great opportunity values. With only four invasive plant gathered in July to be to learn more about the biodiversity of managers on the summer work crew we trained on noxious weed a park, and engage youth and adults in need all the help we can get.” Midentification, monitoring hands-on resource stewardship,” says Ter- The Weed Blitz is a day-long event with and control in Glacier National Park as ry Peterson, Citizen Science Coordinator volunteers attending an indoor training part of the Weed BioBlitz. Participants for the Crown of the Continent Research program on weed identification, impacts included volunteer youth and adults from Learning Center. and monitoring presented by LaFleur. In Montana, and Idaho. See Box 1. Glacier National Park hosts over 1,000 the afternoon, volunteers separate into The Weed BioBlitz is part of a larger different species of plants including 126 groups to search for and pull priority in- effort coordinated by the National Park non-native species, about 20 of which vasive plants in high public use areas. Service (NPS) to celebrate the NPS are noxious or invasive weeds. Although “Our main objective in the afternoon most invasive plants in the park are close- is to get people familiar with five key ly associated with disturbed areas such as target weeds, and hand pulling is a good BOX 1. PARTICIPANTS recreational, roadside and construction way to do that,” explains Tyler Jack, a IN WEED BIOBLITZ sites, the 700 miles of backcountry trails group leader and member of the NPS Ex- also provide a corridor for invasive plants otic Plant Management Team. Volunteers AmeriCorps to spread into natural areas. also pulled a lot of weeds, with a total of Montana Youth Conservation Corp “Monitoring these backcountry trails 48 bags containing about 630 pounds of Boy Scouts of America is often difficult and time consuming, weeds removed from high public use ar- leaders and members and we have limited field staff,” explains eas. Boys and Girls Club Dawn LaFleur, restoration biologist and The training approach seems to be work- leaders and members lead for the invasive plant management ing! Mac McPherson, scout master with program in Glacier National Park. “Our Troup 104 from Westmond, Idaho said Xanterra employees goal is to keep noxious weeds out of that service projects are great for scouts, Citizen volunteers backcountry areas, so it’s important to and hands-on is the best way for them to National Geographic representative find and control these plants as early as learn. “These scouts will always be able to Glacier National Park possible to minimize their impact on na- identify oxeye daisy and the other weeds employees and volunteers tive vegetation and other natural resource they are pulling during the BioBlitz.”

BOX 2. HISTORY OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

1895 MAY 11, 1910 1932 1974 1995 Waterton Lakes National Glacer National Park Established as Waterton- Established as an Established as Waterton- Park established. established. Glacier International Peace International Biosphere Glacier International Peace Park. Going- to- the-Sun Reserve. Park World Heritage Site Road completed.

10 | WESTERN RANGE & WILDLANDS EDITION. FALL 2016 CELESTINE DUNCAN CELESTINE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP, LEFT:

CELESTINE DUNCAN CELESTINE DAWN LAFLEUR, RESTORATION BIOLOGIST IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK AND TWO VOLUNTEER SCOUTS SHOW HOW FAR LEAFY SPURGE ROOTS CAN SPREAD AS PART OF THE BIOBLITZ TRAINING (TOP, LEFT). TYLER JACK, MEMBER OF THE NPS EXOTIC PLANT MANAGEMENT TEAM PULLS OXEYE DAISY WITH A VOLUNTEER DURING THE WEED BIOBLITZ TRAINING (TOP, RIGHT). MORE THAN 90 VOLUNTEERS GATHERED FOR THE WEED BIOBLITZ IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK (BOTTOM, LEFT). MELISSA SLADEK MELISSA

Once volunteers complete the train- vistas, glaciers, and unique biodiversity. vasive plants is critical to protecting the ing they can be part of the Invasive Plant As visitation increases, the risk of intro- unique biodiversity of Glacier National Citizen Scientist Project in the park. “The duction and spread of non-native species Park. For citizen scientists, the rewards citizen scientists find and report the loca- also escalates, making management a are a sense of stewardship, a greater tion of high priority invasive plants in the critical priority in the park. awareness of the park’s resource issues, backcountry,” says LaFleur. “This way Although the National Park Service and an expanded insight in ecological re- we can send crews directly to the site to recognizes the spread of invasive plants search and management methods. control the weeds, saving us a lot of time as a major factor contributing to ecosys- and allowing us to expand what we can tem change and instability, funding for accomplish.” the program in Glacier National Park Species targeted by the program are has declined over the last several years. BOX 3. NEW INVADERS spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), ox- According to LaFleur, adequate funding THREATENING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ARE eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), hound- is always a struggle and managers at the A PRIORITY FOR CONTROL IN BOTH HIGH stongue, (Cynoglossum officinale), St. John- national level needs to recognize and ad- PUBLIC USE SITES AND BACKCOUNTRY AREAS swort (Hypericum perforatum) and yellow equately fund invasive plant management toadflax (Linaria vulgaris). “These nox- programs. Orange hawkweed ious weeds are well established in Glacier “We try to be as efficient as we can and (Hieracium aurantiacum/ National Park high public use areas and our volunteer program really helps, but aurantiaca) are transported into backcountry areas by there is no way we can adequately protect recreationists, wildlife, and water,” the park from invasive plants with only hawkweed complex (Hieracium caespitosum, H. explains LaFleur. There are also four new four employees spread over one million praealturm, H. floridundum, and invaders on the high priority list for moni- acres,” LaFleur explains. Pilosella caespitosa) toring since they are recently established The volunteer Invasive Plant Citizen Blueweed within the park or occur just outside park Science Program is one way that con- (Echium vulgare) boundaries.See Box 3. cerned public can help support Glacier Each year more than two million visi- National Park’s invasive plant program. Yellow starthistle tors come to Glacier National Park from Strengthening these partnerships and in- (Centaurea solstitialis) all over the world for the scenic mountain creasing financial resources to control in- MTWEED.ORG PHOTOS MTWEED.ORG

BOX 4. CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAM

The Glacier National Park Citizen Science Program engages park visitors, students, and staff in collection of scientific information that would otherwise be unavailable to resource managers and researchers. Since 2005, the Citizen Science Program has invited members of the public to assist in biological research while recreating in the park. The program is coordinated by the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC), based in Glacier National Park. For more information go to https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/ccrlc.htm

TECHLINENEWS.COM | 11 Managing Scotch Thistle on Rangeland and Natural Areas

By Celestine Duncan STEVE DEWEY, RETIRED, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY. BUGWOOD.ORG UNIVERSITY. STATE UTAH RETIRED, DEWEY, STEVE

cotch thistle (Onopordum acan- tion inhibitor contained in seeds suggests plementing grazing management practic- thium) is a robust non-native that germination will not occur without es that favor desirable vegetation may be plant well established throughout optimum soil moisture. necessary to provide long-term control Smuch of the United States and The first year, Scotch thistle forms of Scotch thistle. On disturbed sites, inte- Canada (Figure 1). The plant was intro- a rosette of large, spiny leaves that can grating the use of herbicides with reseed- duced into the United States during the be 12 inches or more in width. Flower- ing is likely to decrease Scotch thistle 1880s possibly as an ornamental and/or ing stems are normally produced during populations more effectively than either as a medicinal plant. It subsequently es- the second growing season and can grow control method used alone. Buried seed caped from cultivation and is now abun- from 6 to 12 feet tall. Stems have verti- may persist for more than seven years, dant and problematic in the western U.S. cal rows of spiny ribbon-like “wings” and re-infestation is likely without fol- Severe infestations can form tall, dense that extend to flower bases. The plant is low-up management. stands that impede livestock and wildlife highly branched and gray-green in ap- HERBICIDES access to desirable forage plants, impact- pearance. Leaves are oblong and prickly, ing wildlife habitat and limiting carrying and toothed or slightly lobed along the Several herbicides are recommended capacity of infested rangeland and natu- margins. Upper and lower leaf surfaces for managing Scotch thistle on grazed ral areas. are covered with a thick mat of cotton- rangeland and natural areas including Scotch thistle is generally considered a like or woolly hairs, giving the foliage a Milestone® (aminopyralid), Opensight® biennial weed, but can also grow as an gray-green color. The dark pink to laven- (aminopyralid + metsulfuron methyl), annual or short-lived perennial. The plant der flower heads measure 1 to 2 inches and Transline® (clopyralid) specialty her- reproduces exclusively by seed that can in diameter. The whorl of bracts beneath bicides, and 2,4-D and dicamba (Banvel germinate throughout the year depend- the flower is tipped with flat, pale, or- and others). A field study conducted in ing on moisture and temperature. Large ange-colored spines. Flowers stand alone Nebraska compared the effectiveness of Scotch thistle can produce from 20,000 on branch tips and bloom July-October. various herbicides applied post-emer- to 40,000 seeds that can remain viable in Stout taproots anchor the plant. Scotch gence in the spring for Scotch thistle con- soil for at least seven years. Seeds are 4 to thistle is distinguished from other in- trol. Herbicide treatments were applied 5 mm (0.2 in.) in length, smooth, slender, vasive thistles by the very dense, white in May to Scotch thistle plants at the ro- and plumed. A water soluble germina- woolly covering on stems and leaves. sette growth stage. Visual evaluations of Scotch thistle favors habitats with high Scotch thistle were made following appli- soil moisture and is often associated with cation. In late May and early July, Scotch waterways (swales, gullies, roadsides, thistle control with all herbicides was and other moist sites) in the western excellent. By late August, Scotch thistle United States. Disturbed areas and plant seedlings were emerging in some of the communities dominated by annual grass- herbicide treated plots (Table 1). es are susceptible to invasion. The best time to apply herbicides is USDA 2016 NRCS USDA from rosette to early bolt growth stages when Scotch thistle is actively growing. Management Field studies conducted in California Improving the desirable plant communi- showed that Transline at 2/3 pints per FIGURE 1. DISTRIBUTION OF SCOTCH THISTLE ty by seeding competitive grasses or im- acre provided 100 percent control when IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

12 | WESTERN RANGE & WILDLANDS EDITION. FALL 2016 TABLE 1. SCOTCH THISTLE CONTROL WITH VARIOUS HERBICIDES AT MELBETA, NE EVALUATED MAY 30, JULY 1, AND AUGUST 25 (25, 55, AND 111 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION). SCOTCH THISTLE FACTS AND FABLES Visual Percent Control Herbicide Treatment Application Rate/Acre Scotch or ‘Scottish’ thistle has been the national emblem 5/30 7/1 8/25 of Scotland since the 15th century. One of the best-known Milestone® 4 fl oz 97 98 99 legends surrounding the thistle takes place during a sur- prise invasion by Viking soldiers at Largs, a coastal town in Milestone 6 fl oz 97 96 88 western Scotland. After coming ashore, the Vikings planned Milestone 7 fl oz 97 99 99 to sneak up on Scottish Clansmen and Highlanders and GrazonNext® HL 1.5 pints 93 99 98 overcome them while they slept. This amount of stealth Transline® 0.5 pint 96 97 94 required that they go barefoot - which proved to be their undoing. While creeping up on the town, one of the Vikings Dicamba+2,4-D 1.0 pint+1.0 pint 94 89 66 bare feet came down hard on a Scottish thistle and his cries Non-treated - 0 0 0 of shock and pain were enough to wake the sleeping Scots. LSD 5% - 3 9 53 Leaping to their feet, the fiery Scots charged into battle and the rest is history!

applied at the rosette growth stage and range of developmental stages among Western United States. Weed Research and only 65 percent control when applied at individual plants. Plants should not be Information Center, Univ. of California, Davis. 544 pages. late bolt growth stage. cut following seed set, as this increases chances for dispersal. Plants that are cut Hansen R. 2009. Current status of, and future Optimum herbicide rates to control prospects for, biological control of musk thistle Scotch thistle include: by hand should be bagged, removed from (Carduus nutans) and Scotch thistle (Onopordum the site and destroyed if they are flower- acanthium) in the US. USDA-APHIS-PPQ • Milestone (aminopyralid): 5 to 7 ing. “white paper”. fluid ounces of product per acre (fl Henry C (ed). 2006. Performance of herbicides oz/A). BIOLOGICAL CONTROL applied in spring for Scotch thistle. Techline. Winter. pp. 4-5. • Other premix herbicide No classical biological control agents di- formulations of aminopyralid rectly targeting Scotch thistle have been Kadrmas T and WS Johnson. 2002. Managing released in the United States. Biocontrol Scotch Thistle. University of Nevada include Opensight at 2.5 to 3.3 Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet ounces/A, and GrazonNext HL agents (e.g. Rhinocyllus conicus and Tricho- 02-57. sirocalus horridus) released against other at 1.5 to 2.1 pints/A. Herbicides Wilson R. 2005. Scotch thistle control on containing aminopyralid applied to exotic thistles that also utilize Onopordum rangeland with herbicides applied at the rosette rosettes in fall will control Scotch spp. appear to have little or no impact and bolting stage. Western Society of Weed Sci. thistle seeding germination through on Scotch thistle. Native and adventive Research Progress Reports. pp.12-13. the following spring. insects and pathogens that may feed on USDA, NRCS. 2016. The PLANTS Database Scotch thistle are not causing any appre- (http://plants.usda.gov, 23 February 2016). • Transline (clopyralid): 2/3 to 1 ciable damage. Thus, biological control is National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC pint/A. 27401-4901 USA. not currently an option for Scotch thistle • 2,4-D at 2 quarts (2 lbs ai/A) does management in the United States. Young JA and RA Evans. 1969. Germination and persistence of achenes of Scotch thistle. Weed not control large bolting plants Science 20: 98-101. and has minimal soil activity to control Scotch thistle seedlings that References germinate from seed. Beck GK. 1999. Biennial thistles. In: RL Sheley and JK Petroff (eds.) Biology and management ®Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated • Dicamba (Banvel) at 1 pint to 1 of noxious rangeland weeds. Oregon State quart per acre should be mixed with company of Dow. Milestone and GrazonNext HL are not registered for University Press, Corvallis. pp. 145-161. sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency 2,4-D to improve Scotch thistle Colorado Weed Management Association. to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. control. Scotch Thistle. Online http://www.cwma.org/ Milestone and Opensight: When treating areas in and around roadside scotchthistle.html or utility rights-of-way that are or will be grazed, hayed or planted to MECHANICAL forage, important label precautions apply regarding harvesting hay Dewey SA and LF James (Ed.). 1991. Weedy from treated sites, using manure from animals grazing on treated Small infestations of Scotch thistle can thistle of the western United States. Noxious areas or rotating the treated area to sensitive crops. See the product be controlled by digging/cutting the Range Weeds. Boulder: Westview Press. pp.247- label for details. State restrictions on the sale and use of Milestone, crown of the plant a few inches below the 253. Opensight, Transline apply. Consult the label before purchase or use soil surface. Cutting in late bud to flower- DiTomaso J, GB Kyser, SR Oneto, RG Wilson, for full details. Always read and follow label directions. Active ingredients for products mentioned in this article. Product ing stage will reduce seed production, but SB Orloff, LW Anderson, SD Wright, JA Roncoroni, TL Miller, TS Prather, C Ransom, (active ingredient): Milestone (aminopyralid), Opensight (aminopy- may require repeated treatment because KG Beck, C Duncan, KA Wilson, JJ Mann. ralid + metsulfuron), Transline (clopyralid). populations typically exhibit a wide 2013. Weed Control in Natural Areas in the

TECHLINENEWS.COM | 13 Saint Johnswort Biology, Impact and Management

By Celestine Duncan STEVE DEWEY, RETIRED, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY. BUGWOOD.ORG UNIVERSITY. STATE UTAH RETIRED, DEWEY, STEVE

aint (St.) Johnswort (Hypericum of swelling and soreness of the mouth wind, humans, and water. Seeds can re- perforatum L.), also known as following an episode of hypericism. St. main dormant in soil for ten years. Klamath weed or goatweed, was Johnswort also forms monocultures, re- Sintroduced to the United States ducing native plant diversity and impact- Management as an ornamental and for medicinal pur- ing wildlife habitat and livestock carrying poses. The weed readily escapes cultiva- capacity on rangeland and natural areas. Early detection and treatment of newly tion, and has spread to infest natural ar- invading plants, minimizing disturbance, eas, pastures and rangeland throughout and establishing desirable competitive most of the United States (Figure 1). St. Identification vegetation will reduce the ability of St. Johnswort is listed as a noxious weed in St. Johnswort is a taprooted perennial Johnswort to establish and spread. eight western states (CA, CO, MT, OR, weed that reproduces from seed and lat- On small, isolated infestations, hand NV, SD, WA and WY) (USDA, NRCS eral roots. Plants grow from one to five pulling or digging young plants may be 2016) and is on the noxious weed list for feet tall with numerous stems that are effective. Repeated pulling or digging is the North American Weed Free Forage woody at the base. In autumn, infesta- necessary because lateral roots of older Program (NAISMA 2016). tions are easily visible because of the up- plants can give rise to new plants. Ex- right, rust-colored stems. tracted plants should be removed from Leaves are opposite, sessile, entire, el- the area and burned to prevent vegetative Impact liptic to oblong, and generally not more regrowth and/or seed dissemination. St. Johnswort contains the pigment hy- than one inch long. A diagnostic charac- Mowing is ineffective as a manage- pericin, which causes photosensitiza- teristic of St. Johnswort is the presence ment tool but may reduce spread of the tion when ingested by grazing animals. of tiny, transparent perforations on the plant if done before seeds form. Mowing Livestock will consume the weed when leaves that are visible when the leaf is may also negatively impact desirable veg- more desirable forage is scarce. Weakly held up to a light source (Figure 2). A etation that can compete with St. John- pigmented parts of the grazing animal’s mature plant may produce up to 30 flow- swort. Burning may increase the density body such as the mouth, nose, ears and ering stems annually. and vigor of St. Johnswort infestations. udders become light sensitive. Sheep, Flowers are clustered in terminal HERBICIDE cattle, horses and goats are susceptible, cymes and each flower has five sepals but goats are more resistant than other and five petals (Figure 3). Petals are typi- Field trials conducted in Washington animals. Symptoms include blistering cally twice as long as sepals with and Montana show that Milestone® spe- skin, hair loss, high body temperature, glands along the margins. The seed cap- cialty herbicide at 5 to 7 fluid ounces per rapid pulse and respiration rates, saliva- sule bursts at maturity (Figure 4). A sin- acre (fl oz/A) provides excellent control tion and diarrhea. Affected animals may gle plant can produce about 30,000 seeds (>95%) of St. Johnswort one year after die of dehydration or starvation because that are easily transported by animals, treatment (Table 1). Applications should

TABLE 1. ST. JOHNSWORT CONTROL WITH VARIOUS HERBICIDES ONE YEAR AFTER TREATMENT (YAT) WITH SPRING APPLICATIONS IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES.

Herbicide Rate (product/A) % control 1 YAT Milestone® specialty herbicide 5 -7 fluid ounces 97 to 99 FIGURE 1. CURRENT Milestone + metsulfuron 5 fluid ounces + 1 ounce 99 DISTRIBUTION OF COMMON ST. GrazonNext® HL herbicide 1.5 pints 98 EDDMAPS 2016 EDDMAPS JOHNSWORT IN THE 2,4-D 1 qt 15 UNITED STATES 14 | WESTERN RANGE & WILDLANDS EDITION. FALL 2016 STEVE DEWEY, RETIRED, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY. BUGWOOD.ORG UNIVERSITY. STATE UTAH RETIRED, DEWEY, STEVE BUGWOOD.ORG UNIVERSITY, STATE CHAMBERLAIN, KEN STEVE DEWEY, RETIRED, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY. BUGWOOD.ORG UNIVERSITY. STATE UTAH RETIRED, DEWEY, STEVE FIGURE 2. ST. JOHNSWORT LEAVES WITH TRANSPARENT FIGURE 3. FLOWERS ARE CLUSTERED IN TERMINAL FIGURE 4. THE SEED CAPSULE BURSTS AT MATURITY. PERFORATIONS. CYMES AND EACH FLOWER HAS FIVE SEPALS AND FIVE A SINGLE PLANT CAN PRODUCE ABOUT 30,000 SEEDS PETALS. PETALS ARE TYPICALLY TWICE AS LONG AS THAT ARE EASILY TRANSPORTED BY ANIMALS, WIND, SEPALS WITH BLACK GLANDS ALONG THE MARGINS. HUMANS, AND WATER. SEEDS CAN REMAIN DORMANT IN SOIL FOR TEN YEARS. be made when the weed is actively grow- to control St. Johnswort. The insect ef- out of direct sunlight, and extracts may ing in late spring, early summer, and in fectively reduced St. Johnswort to about also have negative interaction with other fall when basal regrowth occurs. Open- one percent of its former acreage in that drugs. sight® specialty herbicide at 2.5 to 3.3 state. The flea beetle and three additional ounces of product per acre provides agents are currently impacting St. John- similar control as Milestone. In Wash- swort: Chrysolina hyperici, a foliage feed- References ington, late fall (November) application ing beetle; Aplocera plagiata, a foliage and Dow AgroSciences Internal Field Data Reports. Accessed January 2016. of Milestone at either 5 or 7 fl oz/A pro- flower feeding moth; Agrilus hyperici, a EDDMapS. 2016. Early Detection & Distribution vided greater than 95 percent control 27 root-boring beetle. Chrysolina hyperici is Mapping System. The University of months following treatment (Figure 5). better suited for wet sites than C. quadrige- - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Neither metsulfuron (Escort) at 1 ounce mina. The success and population stabil- Health. Available online at http://www. eddmaps.org/. Accessed March 2, 2016. of product per acre, nor 2,4-D provide ity of biological control agents depends Krueger J and R Sheley. 2002. St. Johnswort acceptable control of St. Johnswort. on the fluctuations of St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum). Montana State Control of large infestations should populations and site conditions including University Bulletin No. MT199810 AG. integrate herbicide application with bio- cold temperature. North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), Weed Free Forage logical control agents. Herbicides can be Standards. Avialable online at http://www. used on the perimeter of large infesta- naisma.org/images/Updated_NAISMA_WFF_ tions and on satellite patches, and bio- Medicinal Properties Standards_02-01-16.pdf control agents can be used in the core of St. Johnswort has been promoted as a USDA, ARS Poisonous Plant Research Lab. St. natural anti-depression compound and is Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum). Online www. the infestation. Efforts should be focused ars.usda.gov. Accessed March 2016. on management techniques that stop sometimes used to treat other conditions USDA, NRCS. 2016. The PLANTS Database seed production and maintain a healthy that accompany depression such as anxi- (http://plants.usda.gov, 23 February 2016). plant community that reduces establish- ety, tiredness, loss of appetite and trouble National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC sleeping. In some areas of the country, 27401-4901 USA. ment of St. Johnswort. WebMD. St. Johnswort - Uses and side effects. the plant is cultivated and harvested for BIOLOGICAL CONTROL Available online www.wedmd.com. Accessed use in multiple health products. St. John- March 2016. The flea beetle Chrysolina quadrigemina swort extracts can cause serious sensi- ______was introduced into California in 1945 tivity to sunlight in humans. Products ®Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated containing the plant will company of Dow. Milestone and GrazonNext HL are not registered for describe warnings to stay sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Milestone and Opensight: When treating areas in and around roadside or utility rights-of-way that are or will be grazed, hayed or planted to FIGURE 5. ST. JOHNSWORT forage, important label precautions apply regarding harvesting hay CONTROL WITH MILESTONE® from treated sites, using manure from animals grazing on treated areas or rotating the treated area to sensitive crops. See the product SPECIALTY HERBICIDE AT 7 FLUID label for details. OUNCES PER ACRE 27 MONTHS State restrictions on the sale and use of Milestone and Opensight AFTER TREATMENT NOTE THE apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. NONTREATED BUFFERS OF Always read and follow label directions. UNCONTROLLED ST. JOHNSWORT Active ingredients for products mentioned in this article. Product (FALL = BROWN STEMS). (active ingredient): Milestone (aminopyralid), Opensight (aminopy-

VANELLE PETERSON, DOW AGROSCIENCES DOW PETERSON, VANELLE ralid + metsulfuron. TECHLINENEWS.COM | 15 TechLine Invasive Plant News Presort Standard c/o Weed Management Services U.S. Postage PO Box 1385 PAID Helena, MT 59624 Helena, MT 59601 Permit No. 221

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