1. Comparing the cost and effectiveness of conventional herbicides vs. alternative methods Randy Prostak UMass Extension Weed Specialist SUASCO CISMA March 13, 2012

2. Comparing Non-selective Products

3. Natural or Organic Products Products contain: - acetic acid- citric acid - clove oil- orange extract Claim often made “RU alternative” Overall performance - provides foliar burn only - weeds must be young - better on broadleaf than grasses - good spray coverage = inc. $ - many repeat apps. on perennials

4. Dead from application Regrowth Better on broadleaves than grasses due to location of growing points.

5. Weak on perennials weeds

6. Natural or Organic Products - orange extract RTU - $ 8.95 for 24oz concentrate - $60 for 1 gallon - mix spray preparation 19, 25 or 50% v/v - spray output - greater than 50 gal/A dense perennial weeds > 150 gal/A

7. Advertisement states “Test shows that new herbicide containing vinegar will control Canada thistle” Original research looked at seedling Canada thistle - the seedlings of perennial weeds can be controlled as if they were annuals.

8. 20% or 200 grain acetic acid - 35 fluid oz. ready-to-use - $12.95 - One gallon ready-to-use - $24.95 + shipping - Four one gallon jugs - $75.00 - free shipping - Eight one gallon jugs - $150.00 - free shipping Might be 200 or more gallons per acre.

9. Might be useful on annual and biennial invasive plants such as: Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum mile-a-minute weedPersicaria perfoliata garlic mustardAlliaria petiolata

10. Might be useful on annual and biennial invasive plants such as: Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum mile-a-minute weedPersicaria perfoliata garlic mustardAlliaria petiolata Could be effective on perennial invasive plants with repeat applications that would implement carbohydrate starvation.

11. Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

12. Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

13. Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

14. Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

15. mile-a-minute weed Polygonum perfoliatum or Persicaria perfoliata

16. mile-a-minute weed Polygonum perfoliatum or Persicaria perfoliata

17. mile-a-minute weed Polygonum perfoliatum or Persicaria perfoliata

18. mile-a-minute weed Polygonum perfoliatum or Persicaria perfoliata

19. garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata

20. Timing of Management Strategies Year?? Species?? Strategy?? Goal??

21. Reward (diquat) - contact type - best on annuals, perennials weak - very quick acting a Scythe (pelargonic acid) - contact type - great as sucker remover Finale (glufosinate) - not strongly translocated - annuals, perennials?? - less injury with drift, perennials weak Roundup Pro, Prosecutor, Touchdown PRO (glyphosate or sulfosate) - strongly translocated - caution to prevent “collateral damage” from drift - beware of thin bark trees - all formulations are NOT the same Comparing Non-selective Products

22. AQUAMASTER: $82 for 2.5 gal container $32.80 per gallon $8.20 per quart ACCORD: $156.99 for 2.5 gal container $62.80 per gallon $15.70 per quart 1 quarts/acre = $8.20 to $15.70 2 quarts/acre = $16.40 to $31.40 glyphosate

23. Mechanical and/or Hand- pulling. OK or not OK???

24. Disturbance can be problematic!! Do your best to prevent the disturbance of soil and leaf-litter layer! Herbicides might be a better option in some situations or attempts can be made to cover the disturbed area.

25. HEAVY, MEDIUM, LIGHT, and MINI $82.00 - $189.00 Weed Wrench - good for woody plants and invasives

26. Thank you for your attention!! rprostak@umext.umass.edu 413-577-1738