Triclopyr control of grey willow in New Zealand wetlands: initial field trial

摘要

Grey willow (Salix cinerea) is an extremely aggressive invader of wetlands with wind dispersed seed and a wide ecological tolerance range. Grey willow rapidly transforms swamps, fens and mesotrophic peat bog environments by altering vegetation structure and wetland fiinction. Large willow infestations in wetlands are controlled using aerial application (9 L ha~(-1)) of the non-selective broad spectrum herbicide glyphosate (Roundup). Aerial boom spraying of glyphosate has been most effective where a closed willow canopy allowed good herbicide coverage with limited damage to understorey species. However, extensive damage to native vegetation can occur where grey willow is a broken canopy or when spot sprayed.