Broadcast vs. Wet-Blade Herbicide Applications for Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) Control

Abstract

Southern wax myrtle is a pernicious weed in south Florida pastures and this plant can eliminate all forage production under high densities. Previous work has shown that triclopyr at 1.12 kg/ha is the most effective herbicide on this species. The introduction of the Burch Wet Blade (BWB) mowing system provides an alternative application method to traditional broadcast herbicide applications. The objective of this experiment was to compare the efficacy of triclopyr and other herbicides using both broadcast and the BWB application systems. In general, broadcast applications of at least 1.1 kg/ha triclopyr provided better control than the same treatments applied with the BWB system in 1998. In 1999, control was lower overall compared to 1998, but the same trend was observed. Broadcast applications of triclopyr reduced wax myrtle densities better than when herbicides were applied with the BWB system in 1998. However, in 1999, dicamba triclopyr, and at least 1.1 kg/ha triclopyr reduced wax myrtle densities compared to the mow-only treatment, regardless of application method. Although the BWB system provided an initial overall reduction in plant height, recovery of plants was sufficient and often outgrew those receiving broadcast applications of herbicides. Regardless of application method, retreatment of wax myrtle plants 1 yr after the initial application will likely be needed to obtain adequate control.Nomenclature: Imazapyr, triclopyr, dicamba, southern wax myrtle, Myrica cerifera L. MYRCE