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Integrated Weed Management Articles

Integrated Pest Management Educational Series Offered

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

IPM³ provides a Web-based, distance delivery opportunity for individuals interested in IPM to become proficient in the principles and application of IPM as taught by leading IPM authorities in diverse disciplines from various United States universities. Most of the individuals who seek our IPM training are not academics but need practical information so they can implement IPM in their day-to-day pest management decisions.

Target audiences include but are not limited to employees of federal agencies such as the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the General Services Administration, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Additional audiences include: state/local government officials tasked with IPM, Extension educators, master gardeners, 4-H staff, crop consultants, pest management professionals, and a wide array of green industry professionals

Learn more by visiting the website with course information, costs and dates.

MSU: Get Ready For Fall Weed Control

Friday, August 20th, 2010

We unusually think of weed control as a spring chore, but there are options in the fall that will help in the following year. Montana State University published an article about getting ready for fall weed control. The following is an excerpt from it.

As fall temperatures begin cooling, growers across the region have an opportunity to control winter annual and perennial weeds. Understanding how weeds grow, and learning key control concepts will enhance producers’ ability to reduce the spread and impact of weeds this fall. This article provides tips to manage winter annual weeds in small grain farming systems and reviews several concepts for managing perennial broadleaf weeds.

Click here to read the complete article.

Learn About Calibration for Using Herbicides

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

One of the most important things that can be done when using herbicides is making sure you are spraying the right plant and you are using the right amount of herbicide. Learning how to use the right amount of herbicide is called calibration.

There are many ways a person can learn about calibration.

Contact your local weed coordinator or extension agent.
Attend a Private Applicator’s Class in your area.
Use a combination of print and video materials available.

The following are some of the print materials available. We have provided links or you may contact your extension agent.

Calibrating Ground Sprayers Using Shortcut Methods - a MSU Extension Publication
Calibrating Pesticide Application Equipment – a MSU Extension Publication
Calibrating Boom & Broadjet Sprayers – a MSU Extension Publication
Calibrating Hand Sprayers – a MSU Extension Publication

MWCA helped to underwrite this short video that demonstrates calibration of equipment. We have broken it down in to 6 steps.

Chapter 1 Importance of Calibration

Chapter 2 Equipment & Pre-Calibration Check

Chapter 3 Understanding Calibration

Chapter 4 Calibrating Backpack Sprayer and Handline

Chapter 5 Calibrating Using the Strip Method

Chapter 6 Adding Pesticide to Your Tank

MSU Extension also has a DVD available for purchase on their website. There is also information on the MSU Webpage on Calibration.

Compatibility of Seed Head Biological Control Agents and Mowing for Management of Spotted Knapweed

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Authors: Jim M. Story, Janelle G. Corn, and Linda J. White

Summary: Seed head insects, primarily the seed head fly, Urophora affinis, and the seed head weevils, Larinus spp., are reducing spotted knapweed seed production by about 94% in most areas of western Montana. Studies were conducted on the compatibility of seed head biological control agents and mowing for management of spotted knapweed. Our study demonstrated that mowing of spotted knapweed in the spring and early summer can result in the growth of secondary flower buds which escape attack by seed head biocontrol agents, thereby allowing the knapweed to produce a nearly-normal complement of seed. Therefore, we conclude that the historical practice of mowing spotted knapweed during the spring and early summer with no follow-up mowings should be avoided if large populations of seed head biocontrol agents are present.

Download a copy of the research article.

Influence of Seed Head-Attacking Biological Control Agents on Spotted Knapweed

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Complete Title: Influence of Seed Head-attacking Biological Control Agents on Spotted Knapweed Reproductive Potential in Western Montana over a 30-year Period

Authors: Jim M. Story, Lincoln Smith, Janelle G. Corn & Linda J. White

Summary: Studies were conducted on the impact of seed head insects on spotted knapweed reproductive potential in western Montana over a 30-year period. Results indicated that seed head insects are reducing seed production by about 94% in many areas of western Montana. The reduction of knapweed seed production has resulted in a 98% reduction in the knapweed seed bank which, in turn, has contributed to the decline of knapweed in these areas. Of the seed head insects, the fly, Urophora affinis, and the weevils, Larinus obtusus and L. minutus, are having the greatest impact on knapweed seed production. The current decline of spotted knapweed in many areas is likely due to the impact of the seed head insects on the knapweed seed bank and the effects of the root weevil, Cyphocleonus achates, on mature plants.

Download a copy of the research article.

Decline of Spotted Knapweed Density in Montana with Large Populations of the Root Weevil

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Full Article Name: Decline of spotted knapweed density at two sites in western Montana with large populations of the introduced root weevil, Cyphocleonus achates (Fahraeus)

Authors: J.M. Story, N.W. Callan, J.G. Corn, L.J. White

Summary: Spotted knapweed plant density was monitored over a 11-year period (1993-2004) at two sites in western Montana where the root weevil, Cyphocleonus achates was released. Spotted knapweed density declined significantly over time at both sites (99% and 77%, respectively), after C. achates numbers increased dramatically at both sites. The current decline of spotted knapweed in many areas is likely due to the effects of C. achates on mature knapweed plants and the impact of the seed head insects on the knapweed seed bank.

Click here to download and read the complete article.

Turning Livestock into Land Management Tools at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

by Christina Miller,
Natural Resources Specialist, DSC Socks, Spackle, and Ginger Snap are only a few of the newest weed control managers at Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS. They successfully completed a seven-step program that modified their preferred cuisine and made them effective rangeland stewards. These new weed control managers dutifully spend their days grazing in the pastures, working toward the eradication of exotic invasive weeds. Oh, by the way, they’re cattle, affectionately termed “smart cows.”

Read the complete article about these weed eating cattle.

An Overview of Targeted Grazing and the Montana Sheep Institute

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

By Becky Kington, Montana Weed Control Association Executive Director and Dr. Lisa Surber, Research Scientist, Montana Sheep Institute.

The following is an interview that was conducted on October 23, 2009, between Becky and Lisa regarding targeted grazing.

Sheep grazing dalmatian toadflax, photo credit: L. Surber

Lisa, the MSU Sheep Institute has been involved in numerous targeted grazing projects in Montana over the past few years, and I have to credit MSI with elevating targeted grazing as an integrated control method for noxious weeds. How many targeted grazing projects have you [MSI] been involved with over the years and what specific weeds have been chosen to experiment with?

The Montana Sheep Institute (MSI) oversees approximately 15 targeted grazing projects with monitoring sites utilizing sheep and goats from multiple sheep producers. Montana Sheep Institute weed projects directly involved over 50,000 acres of weed-infested Montana rangeland and about 500 landowners. Currently major weed projects are targeted at leafy spurge, spotted knapweed and Dalmatian toadflax.

(more…)

Posts related to: Grazing, sheep, targeted grazing
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What chemical do I use for my noxious weeds?

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Again, because of the variety of herbicide available, differing soil conditions, and because of a variety of environmental conditions, it is best that you contact your weed professional(s) to properly assess your weeds and identify the best options for your specific environment.

Posted in FAQ, Integrated Weed Management Articles | No Comments »

Got Weeds? These Sheep Will Make House Calls

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

MISSOULA, Mont. — Chilled by an autumn wind, Enrique Marquez watched from horseback as the sheep gamboled down the mountain. A border collie nipped the heels of wayward ewes. All summer and into the fall, the flock grazed on noxious weeds infesting about 1,000 acres of public lands above the Missoula Valley as part of this city’s effort to restore its native prairie grasses.

Full Article Text

Posts related to: targeted grazing
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