Advancing splatter gun technology for rangeland weeds
2019
To determine whether more rangeland weeds could be susceptible to low-volume highconcentration herbicide applications (e.g., splatter guns), trials were initiated on gamba
grass (Andropogon gayanus), rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora), prickly acacia
(Vachellia nilotica), and Chinee apple (Ziziphus mauritiana). For gamba grass, a rate
response trial (0, 9, 18, 27, 36, 45 and 54 g a.i./L of mixture) of glyphosate has shown that
100% mortality can be achieved at rates ≥ 36 g a.i./L of mixture. A rubber vine trial is
comparing the effect of timing of applications (between December and May) of two
herbicides. Six months after treatment (MAT), Grazon™ Extra
(triclopyr/picloram/aminopyralid) recorded the highest (i.e. December application) but most
variable efficacy (0-80%) compared to 40-70% for Brush-off® (metsulfuron-methyl). The
optimum way to spray plants using Hotshot™ (aminopyralid/fluroxypyr) is being
investigated in a prickly acacia trial. Preliminary results, six MAT suggest that more severe
damage occurs if the amount applied is calculated on the basis of the whole surface area
of plants (i.e. both sides), but spraying from one side appears to be sufficient. For Chinee
apple, a screening trial of five herbicides and two rates is showing that Brush-off®
(metsulfuron-methyl) and Stinger™ (aminopyralid/metsulfuron-methyl) are the best
performing herbicides, but only on smaller plants (< 2 m high) and at the highest applied
rates 12 MAT. While promising, the variability in results indicates that many factors may
affect efficacy, including the health, size and density of plants, herbicide choice and
mixture/application rate, presence/absence of biological control agents and climatic
conditions.
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