Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) was planted during the reclamation process to reduce erosion and improve nitrogen content of the soil. However, since its establishment, E. umbellata has spread prolifically and control measures are difficult. The primary objective of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various control methods on eradication of E. umbellata in varying degrees of infestation. A two-phase case study was conducted at The Wilds conservation center in Cumberland, OH. Phase 1 began in 2007-2008 to evaluate three treatments in areas with moderate cover (15-30%) of E. umbellata: mechanical removal, foliar herbicide and dormant stem herbicide. Nine 200m 2 study plots were established with three replications of each treatment. Effectiveness of each treatment was evaluated in 2009 through tracking 225 individual shrubs. The foliar herbicide controlled 98% of E. umbellata; dormant stem herbicide achieved 71% and the mechanical treatment controlled only 15%. Statistical comparisons indicated the foliar and dormant stem herbicides were more effective (P = 0.0008) than mechanical removal. This suggests that foliar applications can be a reliable tool for control of E. umbellata in areas with a 15-30% density level. Based on these findings, phase 2 of this study was initiated in 2010 to evaluate removal techniques in dense shrub infestations (95-100%). Treatments included a combination of mechanical clearing then a chemical treatment of stumps to reduce re-sprouts. The fracture treatment was most effective during the second phase (63%) when compared to the cut-stump (46%) mechanical treatment (P = 0.004). Results demonstrate that a combined mechanical-chemical approach is efficient in dense infestations. Mechanical land clearing through fracture and re-sprout treatment appeared to be most effective in E. umbellata control and the most cost effective in dense cover; however replicated studies are needed to provide conclusive information about the fracture re-sprout treatment.
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a fast growing tree native to China. Introduced as an ornamental plant, A. altissima has spread throughout North American landscapes, imposing a threat to the biodiversity of native ecosystems. Recommended control methods include basal bark treatments using herbicide with an oil-based carrier around the base of Ailanthus stems. Land managers value application methods that maximize efficiency while also reducing environmental impacts when applied over landscape scales. The focus of this study was to assess the efficiency of herbicide concentrations and carriers on the mortality of A. altissima. This study was conducted in a 105 ha hardwood forest at the Wilds Conservation Center in Cumberland, OH. The forest is directly adjacent to areas mined for coal and reclaimed in the 1980s. Twenty-five plots were established consisting of 732 target trees. Two carriers (AX-IT ™ basal oil and diesel fuel) mixed with Garlon ® 4 Ultra herbicide were tested at two different concentrations: 1) 10% Garlon ® in 90% diesel fuel carrier, 2) 20% Garlon ® with 80% diesel carrier, 3) 10% Garlon ® with 90% AX-IT ™ carrier, and 4) 20% Garlon ® with 80% AX-IT ™ carrier. Basal bark treatments were applied using a backpack sprayer. After one year, treatments were similar (89-100% mortality) with one exception, the 10% Garlon ® in 90% diesel treatment was least effective (69% mortality; P< 0.0001). This was more apparent as the diameter at breast height (DBH) increased (P < 0.0001). When canopy dieback was compared across treatments, AX-IT ™ basal oil remained more effective regardless of the DBH or concentration. Cost comparisons show 10% Garlon ® solution in AX-IT ™ oil base can be the most economically and ecologically beneficial treatment when applied on a large scale. Long-term monitoring will determine the occurrence of re-sprouts (via seed and root sprouting) and the impact each treatment has on the plant communities within this forest system.
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