9A Manual: Noxious Weeds PDF

Noxious Weeds Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Category 9A Inside front cover blank Laws and Regulations Kansas Noxious Weed Law..............................................................................

Noxious Weeds Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Category 9A Inside front cover blank Laws and Regulations Kansas Noxious Weed Law........................................................................... 4 4 Table of Contents Kansas Pesticide Law.................................................................................... 5 Kansas Noxious Weeds 9 Bull Thistle.................................................................................................... 9 Bur Ragweed................................................................................................10 Canada Thistle..............................................................................................11 Field Bindweed............................................................................................13 Hoary Cress.................................................................................................14 Johnsongrass.................................................................................................15 Kudzu...........................................................................................................16 Leafy Spurge................................................................................................17 Multiflora Rose............................................................................................18 Musk Thistle.................................................................................................20 Pignut..........................................................................................................21 Quackgrass...................................................................................................22 Russian Knapweed.......................................................................................23 Sericea Lespedeza.......................................................................................24 Herbicides for Noxious Weeds 28 Types of Herbicides.....................................................................................28 Environmental Factors.................................................................................29 Herbicide Selection......................................................................................30 Spray Adjuvants...........................................................................................33 Equipment and Calibration 35 Sprayer Requirements..................................................................................35 Sprayer Components....................................................................................36 Nozzle Types................................................................................................43 Nozzle Selection.........................................................................................51 Managing Spray Drift..................................................................................54 Resources.....................................................................................................55 Environmental and Safety Concerns 57 Environmental Hazards...............................................................................57 Personal Safety.............................................................................................57 Public Safety................................................................................................61 Directions for Using this Manual This is a self-teaching manual. At the end of each major section is a list of study questions to check your understanding of the subject matter. These study questions represent the type that are on the certification examination. By studying this manual and answering the study questions, you should be able to gain sufficient knowledge to pass the Kansas Commercial Pesticide Applicators’ Certification examination. Correct answers appear on page 62. 3 Laws and Learning objectives After completing this chapter, you supervisor also assists in the investiga- tion of violations and reports these to should be able to: the county attorney for prosecution. Regulations Recognize the responsibilities The board of county commissioners, with the aid of their weed supervisor, of the Kansas Department of is responsible for filing an annual Agriculture, the county commis- weed eradication progress report and sioners, the noxious weed super- an annual noxious weed manage- visor, and the landowner in ment plan with the Department of regards to the Kansas Noxious Agriculture. Weed Law. Based on reports filed by the county Identify the two classes of weed supervisor, the board of county pesticides. commissioners (or other governing Know what information you are body) is authorized to make a tax levy required to record on all restricted on the citizens to pay a portion of use applications and how long to the cost of control and eradication of keep these records. noxious weeds within that county or other governmental unit. The money Understand what records of sale collected is used for controlling must contain. noxious weeds on county-owned land and right-of-ways, for purchasing Kansas Noxious Weed Law equipment and herbicides, and for Under the Kansas Noxious Weed the salary of the county weed super- Law (K.S.A. 2-1314 et seq.), the state visor. The board of county commis- legislature declares certain weeds to sioners is required to sell herbicides, be noxious, and requires landowners approved by the Kansas Department in the state to use approved methods of Agriculture for noxious weed to control and eradicate these control, to landowners within the weeds. The Kansas Department of county for the control of noxious Agriculture is charged with adopting weeds on privately owned land. In the appropriate control measures for most cases, herbicides are sold for a noxious weeds and for publishing cost of from 50 percent to 75 percent these methods, entering into agree- of the total cost of purchasing, storing, ments with the federal government and handling the chemicals. Counties concerning noxious weed control, whose levy is 1.5 mills or greater may and advising and rendering assistance charge up to 100 percent of cost. The to county noxious weed supervisors. Board of County Commissioners may This work is currently handled by the adopt a cost share certificate system Plant Protection and Weed Control where by landowners may purchase Program. herbicides for noxious weed control from pesticide dealers and receive a While it is the Department of cost share benefit. Agriculture’s responsibility to advise and assist the various counties in the Counties may publish a General control of noxious weeds, it is the Notice in the county newspaper responsibility of the various boards advising landowners of their responsi- of county commissioners and the bility to control noxious weeds. When county weed supervisors to control the county weed supervisor finds noxious weeds within their respective an infestation of noxious weeds, a counties. The county weed super- Warning or Official Notice is sent to visor is responsible for offering assis- the owner or manager of the property. tance and direction in the control of This notice informs the landowner of noxious weeds to the landowners in the law and his or her obligation to the county, making annual surveys treat the infestation within a certain of infestations, sending enforcement time period and contains the appro- notices and submitting reports to priate control procedures as prescribed the county commissioners and to by the Department of Agriculture. the Department of Agriculture. The Either a General Notice may be 4 published, a Warning Notice may be sent, or both, in any given year. If an noxious weed supervisor is advised to consult with the county attorney Laws and inspection by the county weed super- before beginning any enforcement visor reveals the landowner has not action. Regulations controlled the noxious weed, a Legal Notice is sent by certified mail. The Kansas Pesticide Law Legal Notice is required to include The Kansas Pesticide Law (K.S.A. the following: 1) a legal description 2-2438a et seq.) regulates the use of of the infested land; 2) the name of pesticide products within the state. the owner and operator or supervising Under this statute, pesticide appli- agent of the land; 3) the approximate cators who use restricted use pesti- acreage of each noxious weed in the cides are certified; businesses that infestation or infestations involved; apply pesticides for hire are licensed; 4) a copy of the official methods government agencies which apply and regulations for controlling each pesticides on property which they named noxious weed; 5) a specified do not own or control are registered; time within which weed control and pesticide dealers are registered. methods are required to be completed; The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide 6) a statement that says unless the and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 owner takes the appropriate steps U.S.C. 136 et seq.) requires the U.S. within the specified time, the county Environmental Protection Agency weed supervisor will enter the prop- to classify pesticides as either general erty and use such approved methods use or restricted use. Those pesti- as are necessary for the eradication cides which are classified as restricted and control of the noxious weeds; and use may legally be sold only to or 7) a statement to inform the owner, used only by certified applicators or operator or supervising agent that persons under their direct supervision. they may be prosecuted pursuant to Individuals wishing to use restrict- K.S.A. 2-1323, and amendments ed-use pesticides in the control of thereto, and if convicted, fined as state or federally declared noxious established by law. When it becomes weeds must be certified in Noxious necessary for the county weed super- Weed Control-Category 9A. To be visor to control weeds on private land eligible for certification in this cate- due to the owner’s failure to control gory, individuals must be employees them, the full cost of the treatment is of state, federal or other govern- assessed to the landowner along with mental agencies. Landowners or a 10 percent penalty. Failure to control their employees may apply restricted noxious weeds on land that you own use pesticides to their own property or supervise is a violation of this law. to control noxious weeds if they Violators are subject to prosecution obtain private applicator certifica- for failure to control noxious weeds. tion. Non-government applicators It is also unlawful to sell screenings, can apply restricted-use pesticides to nursery stock, packing material, soil, control noxious weeds on agricultural sod, animal fertilizer, or livestock feed lands if they have commercial appli- material that contains noxious weed cator certification in 1A-Agricultural seeds unless this material has been Plant Pest Control or certification in processed in such a way as to destroy 6-Right-of-Way Pest Control, which the viability of the seeds. Bringing pertains to control of noxious weeds farm equipment into the state or on rights-of-way. moving such equipment from an infested field to an un-infested field, As a certified applicator, you are without first making certain that the required to keep certain records. For equipment is free from all weed seeds each restricted-use pesticide appli- and litter is also unlawful. Violations cation made by you or someone of this act are punishable upon under your direct supervision, you are conviction by a fine of $100 per day required to prepare a written state- for each day of noncompliance up to a ment, which includes the following information: maximum fine of $1,500. The county 5 Laws and name and address of the certified commercial applicator, township located within a county that has a valid government agency regis- tration, no fee is required. Regulations name and address of the owner or operator of the property treated, If a pesticide applicator wishes to contract independently for commer- common or scientific name of cial pesticide application services, each pest to be controlled or that is, if he or she wishes to charge prevented, another individual for the application complete product name and the of a pesticide product to that person’s EPA registration number of each property, the pesticide applicator must pesticide applied, first obtain a pesticide business license from KDA. In order to receive a busi- quantity of pesticide mixture ness license, an application and fees of actually applied, $140 per category plus $15 for each total area to which the pesticide is uncertified applicator employee must applied, be submitted; the business owner or an employee must have commercial rate of application of each pesti- certification in each category for cide if rates are prescribed on the which the business license is desired; product label, and proof of financial responsibility concentration of the active ingre- must be submitted in the form of a dients of each pesticide if given surety bond, letter of credit, escrow on the label, account or a certificate of liability insurance. If a surety bond, letter of date and location of each and credit or escrow account is used, the every pesticide application, amount of the coverage cannot be less wind direction and velocity, than $6,000 per year. The require- ments for liability insurance are that signature of the pesticide appli- the minimum coverage must be cator or supervisor of the applica- $25,000 for bodily injury liability for tion, and each occurrence and $5,000 for prop- conspicuously state on application erty damage liability for each occur- record if pesticide is applied at rence. Once issued, business licenses less than label rate. expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed annually. Such records must be maintained for three years from the date of appli- Those noxious weed departments that cation and shall be open to inspec- sell, or distribute, pesticides directly tion by employees of the Kansas to landowners within their counties, Department of Agriculture (KDA). are required to register with KDA All applications of restricted-use as pesticide dealers. Those depart- pesticides and general-use pesticides ments that use a voucher program must be made in accordance with the and therefore do not distribute directions for use shown on the prod- pesticides directly to landowners, are uct’s label. not required to register as pesticide dealers. To become a registered dealer, Before a governmental agency can a completed application and fee must legally apply pesticides on ground be submitted to KDA. Current fees which it does not own or control, that are $25 for dealers with annual sales agency must obtain a government less than $2,500 or $100 for dealers agency registration from KDA. To with annual sales equal or greater than obtain a government agency regis- $2,500. Registrations expire on June tration, the agency must submit a 30th following issuance and must completed application form and a be renewed annually. Records are $50 fee to KDA. Government agency required for each sale of restricted-use registration expires at the end of each pesticide products. The records must calendar year and must be renewed be made available to KDA represen- annually. When the applicant is a tatives and must be maintained for a 6 minimum of two years after the date of the sale. Records of the sale of address of either the residence or principal place of business of the Laws and restricted-use pesticides must contain uncertified person to whom the the following information: restricted-use pesticide product Regulations has been made available; name of the person to whom the restricted-use pesticide product name of the certified applicator has been sold or conveyed as who will use the restricted-use verified by the person’s presenta- pesticide product; and tion of a federal or state govern- the address of either the residence ment-issued identification card, or principal place of business of address of either the residence or the certified applicator who will principal place of business of each use the restricted-use pesticide person to whom the restricted-use product. pesticide product has been sold or conveyed, Each pesticide dealer is required to submit an annual report on sales of name and address of either the restricted use pesticides to KDA. This residence or principal place of report must include the registered business of the individual to name, EPA registration number and whom the restricted-use pesti- the quantity of the restricted-use cide product has been delivered pesticide product sold or otherwise or conveyed, if different from the conveyed. If applicable, the “special purchaser, local need” state registration number applicator’s certification number, of the restricted-use pesticide product must be included in the report. the name of the state issuing the certificate, Violations of the Kansas Pesticide Law such as using pesticides in a expiration date of the certificate, manner inconsistent with the pesti- if the applicator is a certified cide’s label, failing to maintain the commercial applicator, the cate- required records or applying pesticides commercially without a pesticide gories and subcategories in which business license may result in suspen- the applicator is certified, sion or revocation of a business license registered name of the restrict- or certification, criminal penalties that ed-use pesticide product, the EPA may include one year in jail and/or a registration number, and if appli- $2,500 fine, and/or civil penalties of up to $5,000 per offense. cable, the “special local need” state registration number, Applicators are responsible for periodically reviewing the Kansas quantity of the restricted-use Pesticide Law and Regulations at pesticide product sold or http://agriculture.ks.gov to acquaint conveyed, and themselves with any changes in laws date of the transaction. or regulations occurring after the If the pesticide dealer makes a publication date of this study manual. restricted-use pesticide product avail- able to an uncertified person for use by a certified applicator, then the following records shall be kept in addition: The name of the uncertified person to whom the restricted-use pesticide product has been made available, as verified by the uncer- tified person’s presentation of a federal or state government issued identification card; 7 Laws and Study Questions Regulations Laws and Regulations These study questions are to aid 3. Records on the use of restricted use pesticides to control noxious weeds you in learning the material on must be kept for __ years. pages 4 through 7. a. 3 1. The county weed supervisor is b. 4 responsible for: c. 5 a. offering assistance and direction in controlling d. 6 noxious weeds 4. Government agencies must obtain b. locating infestations of a government agency registra- noxious weeds tion from KDA when applying pesticides: c. making annual surveys of a. t hat are restricted-use pesti- noxious weed infestations cide products. d. all of the above b. t o areas greater than one 2. The law which regulates the linear mile or one acre in size. use of pesticide products within c. to property not owned or Kansas is the: controlled by the government a. Kansas Hazardous Products agency. Law d. near or in environmentally b. Kansas Noxious Weed Law sensitive areas. c. Kansas Pesticide Law d. Kansas Commercial Applicator Law 8 Learning objectives After completing this chapter, you grayish appearance. Mature leaves are moderately to coarsely lobed, Kansas Noxious should be able to: with 3 to 4 points per lance-shaped List the noxious weeds in Kansas. lobe. Each point ends in a long stout, Weeds yellow spine, with numerous shorter Identify which two noxious weeds spines between. Short, stiff hairs are county option weeds. and frequently spines are found on the upper leaf surface. Leaves are Explain why noxious weed short and broad, usually less than 12 control is important. inches in length, and very wavy or Identify management options crinkled. Mature leaves are alternate used to control specific noxious and growing down the stem beyond weeds. their bases, causing the stalk to appear “winged” and prickly with lobed The Kansas Noxious Weed Law leaf-like ridges. The stems are stout, was first enacted in 1937. It requires erect, branched and leafy to the heads. the control and eradication of the Considerable branching may be found following plants designated as noxious in very young flower stalks. weeds by the Kansas Legislature. These noxious weeds are non-native One to several small to intermediate invasive plants with the exception sized purple flowers can be found being Bur ragweed and Pignut, at the ends of short, prickly-winged which are considered native species. branches. Bull thistle flowers from Controlling noxious weed species is July to September. important because they displace desir- Seeds are light straw-colored and able vegetation, interfere with agricul- oblong. The seeds are attached to ture production, cause human health parachute-like hairs (pappus), which problems, or invade and degrade the allow for their dispersal by wind environment. Many of these plants Bull Thistle currents. have been introduced accidentally from places as far away as Europe, Distribution and Adaptation Asia, and Africa. In some cases, they Bull thistle may be found throughout were brought here intentionally as the state but occurs most frequently ornamentals or forage crops, but in the central and south central coun- then invaded their new environment. ties of Kansas. Bull thistle is a county Noxious weeds impact our agricul- option noxious weed and is therefore tural lands by competing for resources. not reported from each county. There are currently 12 species on the noxious weed list with 2 addi- Life History tional species listed as county-option Bull thistle reproduces only by seed. weeds. Each county is able to decide The likelihood of new infestations on its own to declare either or both will be reduced by any action to of the species as noxious in that prevent the production and move- county. When it is declared noxious, ment of seed. it is treated the same as the other 12 species. Management Options The control of bull thistle shall mean Bull Thistle preventing the production of viable (Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten.) seed. 1. Prevention Description Planting weed-free seed, feeding Bull thistle is a biennial that repro- hay free of seed, and cleaning duces solely by seed. The deeply equipment before leaving infested lobed rosette leaves are green on the areas are methods that will upper side and light green on the prevent the spread of bull thistle. lower side. The woolly character of the lower side may give it an almost 9 Kansas Noxious 2. Cultural and Mechanical Practices Triasulfuron + Dicamba (Rave) Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba Mowing: Mow with a rotary Weeds mower between the first appear- (Overdrive) ance of color and the first appear- Imazapic + Glyphosate ( Journey) ance of brown on the pappus of Aminopyralid (Milestone) the earliest heads. Mow cleanly and closely and repeat as needed Clopyralid (Stinger) for control. Clopyralid + 2,4-D (Curtail) Hand Cutting – Digging: Dig Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba + the root at least two inches below 2,4-D ground level and remove all soil from the roots. Pick heads that Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba + are beyond the bud stage and Picloram place in a tight container. Bury Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba + the container at a landfill or other Metsulfuron methyl site that will not be unearthed. 3. Biological Controls Bur Ragweed Any biological plan must meet (Woollyleaf Bursage) the requirements of K.A.R. 4-8-41 (Ambrosia grayi (A. Nelson) Shinners) 4. Herbicides Description The following herbicides may be Bur ragweed is a perennial, repro- used for cost-share with land- ducing by underground root stocks owners. Other products labeled and seeds. The plant is erect, 1 to 2 and registered for use on this feet high, somewhat bushy, usually noxious weed in Kansas may be branching from the base, and covered used in accordance with label with fine, woolly hairs. The plant directions but are not available is blueish white in appearance and for cost-share. Be sure to follow grows from a well-developed root all label directions and precau- system. Leaves are alternate or oppo- tions. For additional informa- site, broadly ovate, pinnately 3 to 5 Burr Ragweed tion consult the current KSU parted or entire, with a long petiole publication of “Chemical Weed and dusty white in color. The end Control for Field Crops, Pastures, segment of the leaves is much larger Rangeland, and Noncropland”. than the other segments. 2,4-D Amine or LV Ester Flowers are composite heads in short Chlorsulfuron (Telar) racemes. Male flowers are in small drooping heads at the top of the plant Dicamba (Banvel, Vanquish, with female flowers in the axils of the Clarity and others) leaves, usually one per leaf. Dicamba + 2,4-D (Banvel, The seed cone (or bur) is shaped in Vanquish, Clarity + 2,4-D) heads, 3 to 7 mm. long, with hooked Picloram (Tordon) spines or curved at tip. Picloram + 2,4-D (Tordon + Distribution and Adaptation 2,4-D) Bur ragweed is found in moist culti- Metsulfuron methyl (Escort XP vated fields, waste places, pastures, and several others) and irrigated areas if poorly drained. In 2012, bur ragweed infestation was Metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D reported in 30 counties in central and (Escort XP + 2,4-D) western Kansas. The highest county Imazapic (Panoramic, Plateau) infestations were primarily in south- west Kansas. Clopyralid + Triclopyr (Redeem R&P) 10 Life History Bur ragweed is native to the central directions but are not available for cost share. Be sure to follow Kansas Noxious plains states. Its distribution has all label directions and precau- not changed a great deal but it does tions. For additional informa- Weeds spread locally forming dense colonies tion consult the current KSU because of its creeping root system. publication of “Chemical Weed It can tolerate flooding as well as Control for Field Crops, Pastures, prolonged drought. Bur ragweed Rangeland, and Noncropland”. remains a rosette in May-June, 2,4-D LVE elongates and flowers during July- August, and produces seed in Dicamba + 2,4-D (Banvel, September-November. Vanquish, Clarity + 2,4-D) Dicamba (Banvel, Vanquish, Management Options Clarity) Control of bur ragweed means preventing the production of viable Glyphosate + Dicamba (Roundup seed and destroying the plant’s ability + Banvel + nonionic surfactant) to reproduce by vegetative means. Picloram (Tordon 22K) 1. Prevention Picloram + 2,4-D (Tordon 22K + Cleaning harvesting and tillage 2,4-D) equipment before leaving infested areas can reduce new infestations Imazapic (Panoramic, Plateau) of bur ragweed. 2. Cultural and Mechanical Canada Thistle Practices (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.) Intensive cultivation following Description application of 2,4-D applied in Canada thistle is an introduced the ester form in early summer perennial from Eurasia. Plants are 2 (May 25 to June 20) gives good to 4 feet tall, branched above, with control. This is followed by a well-developed, freely branching, seeding a winter small grain and fibrous root system. Leaves are alter- the following year intensive culti- nate, simple, oblong or lance-shaped, vation is started immediately after irregularly lobed and spiny toothed, harvest. Except for the first culti- hairy when young and dark green. vation after harvest, 2,4-D may be substituted for some of the tillage The flowers of Canada thistle are operations provided soil mois- rose-purple colored, occasionally ture is ample, and bur ragweed is white, in composite heads grouped at Canada Thistle growing rapidly. ends of top branches. They are usually dioecious, i.e. male and female flowers Rapid stand reduction can be on different plants. For viable seed of obtained by using alternate crop Canada thistle to be produced both and fallow, but one year of fallow the male and female plants need to be followed by two small grain crops present. may be used. Seeds are approximately ⅛ inch long, 3. Biological Controls smooth, light to dark brown color, There are no biological controls oblong, slightly flattened and slightly approved for bur ragweed at this curved. The seeds have a white hairy time. pappus (parachute) at the top that 4. Herbicides helps support the seed in the air. The following herbicides may be used for cost share with land- Distribution and Adaptation owners. Other products labeled This persistent weed is found in and registered for use on this all crops and open areas including noxious weed in Kansas may be pastures, ditches, bottomlands, and used in accordance with label waste areas. Infestations of Canada 11 Kansas Noxious thistle were reported in 31 counties in 2012, primarily in west and north roots. Persistent cultivation assists in eradication by destroying roots Kansas. The highest infestations were and rootstocks and exhausting Weeds reported in Phillips and Sherman food reserves. Avoid planting counties. continuous small grain or row crops. Life History Combination of cultivation, crops, Canada thistle reproduces by whitish, and chemicals: One season of creeping rootstocks that send up new intensive cultivation followed shoots every 8 to 12 inches and by by winter wheat or winter rye seeds that are spread by the wind. will eradicate a high percentage The seedlings start growth slowly of Canada thistle. Bromegrass and are quite sensitive to compe- established in a thistle-infested tition from crops or other weeds. area, sprayed with ¾ pound of They grow poorly if shaded and thus actual 2,4-D acid per acre over invade disturbed grazing areas or a two-year period is an effective open non-cropped sites. Small broken control. fragments of the underground mate- rial can also give rise to new plants. 3. Biological Controls Forage consumption is reduced in There are no biological controls pastures since animals will not graze approved for use on Canada near the plants because of the sharp thistle at this time. spines on the leaves. Canada thistle 4. Herbicides is difficult to eradicate because of a The following herbicides may be deep, spreading root system, which used for cost-share with land- may extend 10 or more feet on either owners. Other products labeled side of the parent plant. and registered for use on this noxious weed in Kansas may be Management Options used in accordance with label Canada thistle control means directions but are not available for preventing the production of viable cost-share. seed and destroying the plant’s ability Be sure to follow all label directions to reproduce by vegetative means. and precautions. For additional 1. Prevention information consult the K-State Planting weed-free seed, using Research and Extension publication, livestock feeding materials free of Chemical Weed Control for Field Canada thistle seed, and cleaning Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and equipment before leaving infested Noncropland. fields can reduce new infesta- 2,4-D (Low Volatile Ester or tions of Canada thistle. Pay close Amine) attention to feed or seed mate- rials imported from the northern Picloram (Tordon) and northwestern United States. Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, Quick identification and erad- Vanquish and others) ication of Canada thistle plants is essential to keep it from Glyphosate (Roundup and spreading. others) 2. Cultural and Mechanical Chlorsulfuron (Telar) Practices Clopyralid (Stinger) Destroy plants by pulling or hoeing before they become Clopyralid + Triclopyr (Redeem securely rooted. Canada thistles R&P) usually appear above ground in Clopyralid + 2,4-D (Curtail) early spring. Begin cultivation in early summer when plants Aminopyralid (Milestone) bloom and are weakened due to Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba + declining food reserves in the Picloram 12 Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) Management Options Control of field bindweed shall mean Kansas Noxious preventing the production of viable Description seed and destroying the plant’s ability Weeds Field bindweed is a perennial from to reproduce by vegetative means. Eurasia that reproduces by means of Effective field bindweed control can seeds and creeping rootstocks. The be achieved by applying appropriate plant’s extensive root system may control practices. In developing extend 20 to 30 feet deep. Smooth, a bindweed control program, one slender stems twine or spread over the should consider the various alterna- soil and other vegetation. The leaves tive control practices and use one or are up to 2 inches long, alternate, more appropriate control practices for simple, with a petiole. They are quite a particular cropland or noncropland variable in size, and highly variable in shape. The leaf blade may be oblong area. to elliptical, rounded to pointed, with 1. Prevention spreading basal lobes. Clean crop seed before planting The funnel-shaped flowers are white, to remove bindweed seed and pink, or white with pink stripes. They other weeds. If possible do not are approximately 1 inch across and feed bindweed seed-infested feed are usually borne singly in the axils of to livestock or if it is fed, do not leaves. The flower stalk has two small spread manure on bindweed-free bracts ½ to 2 inches below the flower. land. Clean harvesting and other These bracts, along with leaf shape machinery before leaving infested and small flower size, distinguish this fields. plant from hedge bindweed. 2. Cultural and Mechanical Seeds are dark, brownish- gray, are Practices about ⅛ inch long, and have one Control Practices for Cropland: rounded and two flattened sides. Practices approved for controlling bindweed on cropland are: (1) Plant competitive crops, (2) Distribution and Adaptation Appropriate and timely culti- Field Bindweed Found in cultivated grounds, pastures, vation, and (3) Application of and roadsides, field bindweed is able herbicides registered for use in to persist and spread in all non-cul- infested crops or on cropland with tivated areas and under most crop- no growing crop. Often a combi- ping systems. It infests all counties nation of control practices results in Kansas. In 2012, counties that in a more effective program than reported infestations above 40,000 does a single practice. acres were Dickinson, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Marion, Competitive Cropping - Close- Ness, Rush, and Russell. drilled sorghum or Sudangrass seeded about July 1, after a period Life History of intensive cultivation, provides Field bindweed seed has a very hard effective competition for field coat that enables the seed to be viable bindweed. Narrow row grain after remaining dormant in the soil sorghum may also be used. The for many years. Seeds brought near effectiveness of competitive crops the soil surface by tillage, rodents, or depends on intensive cultivation other means will germinate under during the bindweed growing favorable conditions, resulting in new season when land is not in crop. bindweed infestations. The plant has Appropriate and Timely a very large reservoir of root material, Cultivation - Intensive cultiva- some at a great depth, which makes tion, if properly used, is effective the plant difficult to eradicate once in killing established bindweed. it colonizes an area. A good cover Intensive cultivation alone, of perennial grass will suppress field however, is not usually practical bindweed. 13 Kansas Noxious because no crops can be grown during the cultivation period. publication of “Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Cultivation used with competitive Rangeland, and Noncropland”. Weeds crops can control bindweed. With 2,4-D Amine or LV Ester small grains, the most favorable times for beginning cultivation Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, are in the spring after bindweed Vanquish and others) growth has started, or in the fall after the grain has been harvested. Dicamba + 2,4-D (Banvel + The depth for cultivation in 2,4-D) medium heavy soil is 4 inches. Glyphosate (Roundup and Bindweed cannot be controlled others) satisfactorily if cultivation is delayed as long as 20 or 28 days Dicamba + Glyphosate (Banvel + Roundup) after bindweed emergence. Glyphosate + 2,4-D (Roundup + Control Practices for Noncropland: 2,4-D) Practices approved for controlling bindweed on noncropland are hoeing Picloram (Tordon) and application of appropriate Picloram + 2,4-D (Tordon + herbicides. 2,4-D) Hoeing - In noncropland areas Imazapyr (Arsenal) such as home gardens and flower beds and for horticultural or Imazapic (Panoramic, Plateau) forestry plants, thorough hoeing Quinclorac (Facet, Drive) every 10 days to 2 weeks during the growing season can control Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba bindweed effectively. (Overdrive) It is essential to cut off all plants Imazapic + Glyphosate ( Journey) at each hoeing. Bindweed plants missed in hoeing replenish their Hoary Cress reserves, which delays killing (Cardaria draba (L.) Desv.) time. Results will not be satisfac- tory if bindweed plants are left Description Hoary Cress outside the hoed area because Hoary cress is an introduced perennial those plants will supply food to from Eurasia that reproduces by an the roots for a distance of about extensive spreading root system and 10 feet, preventing the killing of by seed. Plants are upright and gray- established bindweed in the hoed ish-green in color. Leaves are 1 to 3 area. inches long, alternate, simple, oblong, 3. Biological Controls wavy edged, toothed, with the upper There are no biological controls leaves lacking petioles and attached approved for field bindweed at directly to the stem with a broad this time. clasping base. The leaves are also covered with a whitish pubescence. 4. Herbicides The following herbicides may be Flowers of hoary cress are white, ⅛ used for cost-share with land- inch across, very fragrant, and occur owners. Other products labeled in showy compact racemes produced and registered for use on this from April to July. noxious weed in Kansas may be Seed pods are heart-shaped, flat- used in accordance with label tened, and approximately 1/10 inch directions but are not available long. The seeds of hoary cress occur for cost-share. Be sure to follow singularly in each valve of the fruit all label directions and precau- and are slightly flattened, granular, tions. For additional informa- reddish-brown, and mature from June tion consult the current KSU to August. 14 Distribution and Adaptation Hoary cress can be found in fields, Metsulfuron methyl (Escort) Kansas Noxious Metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D + roadsides, sandy ridges, and waste places in dry areas, as well as in estab- Dicamba (Cimarron Max) Weeds lished crops, especially pastures and meadows. In 2012, infestations were Johnsongrass reported in 16 counties throughout (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) Kansas with greatest infestations in Nemaha and Gray counties. Description Johnsongrass is an upright perennial Life History grass native to the Mediterranean Hoary cress forms dense colonies region that reproduces by large due to its extensive creeping and rhizomes and seeds. The plant is well branching rootstocks. It is highly adapted to hold its own in competi- competitive and difficult to eradicate tion with crop plants. The stems of once established. Johnsongrass can be up to 6 to 8 feet or more in height and arise from a Management Options freely branching, stout, rhizome-pos- Control of hoary cress shall mean sessing, fibrous root system. The preventing the production of viable plants leaves are alternate, simple, ⅓ seed and destroying the plant’s ability to 1½ inches wide and 4 to 36 inches to reproduce by vegetative means. long. 1. Prevention The flowers of Johnsongrass occur in Planting weed-free seed, large, open panicles and consist of a providing feeding materials free cluster of three, 1-flowered, spikelets. of hoary cress seed, and cleaning One sessile, bisexual, spikelet and two machinery before leaving infested pedicellate, staminate, spikelets make areas, may prevent new infesta- up the cluster. tions of hoary cress. The fruit of Johnsongrass is a 2. Cultural and Mechanical caryopsis or grain that is finely striate Practices and reddish-brown in color. Cultural control practices have not been developed at this time. Distribution and Adaptation Found especially on rich soil, 3. Biological Controls Johnsongrass is a common weed in There are no biological controls croplands, roadsides, ditches, and approved for the control of hoary field margins. Johnsongrass is espe- Johnsongrass cress at this time. cially troublesome in crops on over- 4. Herbicides flow bottoms with moist ground. The following herbicides may be Infestations were reported in all but used for cost-share with land- eleven Kansas counties in 2012 with owners. Other products labeled the largest acreage of Johnsongrass and registered for use on this infestation occurring in southeast and noxious weed in Kansas may be south central Kansas. used in accordance with label directions but are not available Life History for cost-share. Be sure to follow Johnsongrass is a very heavy seed all label directions and precau- producer but its superior ability to tions. For additional informa- compete with other plants results tion consult the current KSU from its long, vigorous, rhizomatous publication of “Chemical Weed root system. A high temperature Control for Field Crops, Pastures, is necessary for renewed activity of Rangeland, and Noncropland.” rhizome buds after a dormant period. 2,4-D LV Ester The plants grow rapidly and develop a perennial nature within 60 days. Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, The species is used for pasture and Vanquish and others) hay in the southeastern United States. 15 Kansas Noxious Johnsongrass often flowers from May till the first autumn frost with seeds 2- or 3-week intervals throughout the growing season, followed by ripening shortly after flowering until late fall plowing to expose the Weeds frost. rhizomes and roots through the winter, is an accepted control Management Options practice. Control of Johnsongrass shall mean 3. Biological Controls preventing the production of viable There are no biological controls seed and destroying the plant’s ability approved for Johnsongrass control to reproduce by vegetative means. at this time. Procedures to be used to control 4. Herbicides Johnsongrass should include cultural The following herbicides may be control practices and chemical used for cost-share with land- control or a combination of these two owners. Other products labeled controls. and registered for use on this 1. Prevention noxious weed in Kansas may be Planting Johnsongrass-free seed used in accordance with label may reduce new infestations of directions but are not available Johnsongrass, as well as using for cost-share. Be sure to follow livestock feed that is free of all label directions and precau- Johnsongrass seed and cleaning tions. For additional informa- machinery before leaving infested tion consult the current KSU fields. publication of “Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, 2. Cultural and Mechanical Rangeland, and Noncropland.” Practices Cultivation may begin any time Glyphosate (Roundup and others) during the growing season. The Sulfometuron (Oust XP) goal should be to cut off the entire plant at each operation Trifluralin (Treflan) (using a duckfoot or blade-type Fluazifop-P-butyl (Fusilade) implement). Cultivate 3 to 5 inches deep every 14 to 18 days. Sethoxydim (Poast, Poast Plus) When plants weaken and begin Fluazifop-P-butyl + Fenoxaprop- to emerge more slowly, cultiva- ethyl (Horizon 2000, Fusion) tion intervals can be extended to allow plants to grow, typically no Primisulfuron (Beacon) more than 10 days after emer- Nicosulfuron (Accent) gence with no more than 3 weeks between intervals. Continue until Imazapic (Panoramic, Plateau) plants have been eradicated or Quizalofop (Assure II and Targa) suppressed so that remaining plants can be destroyed more Sulfosulfuron (Outrider) economically, either by hand or by Imazapic + Glyphosate ( Journey) applying approved chemicals to individual plants. Nicosulfuron + Rimsulfuron (Steadfast) In lawns and flower gardens and near trees and shrubs, hoeing or other means to cut Johnsongrass Kudzu at regular intervals, (no more (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) than 14 days during the growing season) is considered intensive Description cultivation. Kudzu is an introduced, long-lived, coarse, vining, legume that covers A combination of small grains the ground with long runners. The and intensive cultivation may be stems of kudzu are semi-woody with used. Close grazing or mowing at a rough bark-like covering and the 16 long runners often root at the nodes to form new plants. The leaves are can reduce the occurrence of new infestations of kudzu. Kansas Noxious comprised of three leaflets with each leaflet being 2 to 8 inches in length, 2 2. Cultural and Mechanical Practices Weeds to 3 lobed, and abruptly tapered to a pointed tip. Cultural control methods for kudzu are not developed at this The flowers of kudzu occur in time. racemes, 6 to 8 inches long, in the axils of the leaves. The pea-shaped 3. Biological Controls flowers are lavender to reddish-purple There are no biological controls in color and may not occur every year approved for kudzu control at this due to winterkill of floral buds. The time. papery seed pods of kudzu are 1½ to 4. Herbicides 2 inches long and covered with fine The following herbicides may hairs and contain several reddish- be used for cost share with land- brown seeds. owners. Other products labeled and registered for use on this Distribution and Adaptation noxious weed in Kansas may be Introduced for its edible starchy used in accordance with label root and fiber, this species was later directions but are not available planted as a ground cover, for green for cost share. Be sure to follow manure, hay, and forage. Found from all label directions and precau- the southeastern United States to tions. For additional informa- Kansas, it has escaped over much of tion consult the current KSU the southeast to become a serious publication of “Chemical Weed invasive weed. During 2012, reported Kudzu Control for Field Crops, Pastures, infestations in Kansas were limited to Rangeland, and Noncropland”. Riley County. Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, Vanquish) Life History Kudzu was introduced to the United Glyphosate (Roundup and States from China. Crowns taken others) from old stands are used for plant- Picloram (Tordon) ings, which grow very quickly, often choking out competing vegetation. Triclopyr (Remedy, Garlon) Kudzu flowers in the late summer but seldom produces seed in Kansas. Leafy Spurge It has a deep taproot and spreads by (Euphorbia esula L.) means of stolons and rhizomes. In most years, the above ground parts of kudzu are frozen back to the ground Description during winter and resprout from the Leafy spurge is an introduced peren- taproot the following spring. Grazing nial from Europe that reproduces via locations with a kudzu infestation seed and creeping underground root- may help suppress further coloniza- stocks. The creeping rootstocks give tion by the species. rise to new shoots every few inches. The young stems are bright green, 8 to 24 inches tall, with milky sap and Management Options often occur in clusters as buds from Kudzu should be eradicated as quickly the spreading root system sprout. as possible using approved chemi- Older stems are often branched at cals. Control of kudzu shall mean top, very stiff, and semi-woody when preventing the production of viable mature. The leaves of leafy spurge are seed and destroying the plant’s ability oblong, scattered, and alternate up to reproduce by vegetative means. the stem with a whorl of lanceolate to 1. Prevention oblanceolate leaves, at the base of the Preventing the movement of root flower cluster. crowns or seed from infested areas 17 Kansas Noxious The flowers of leafy spurge occur in a terminal umbel from May to identification and destruction of leafy spurge plants is essential to September. Each “flower” of leafy prevent its spread. Weeds spurge is actually a specialized cluster 2. Cultural and Mechanical of flowers consisting of two yellowish, heart-shaped bracts topped by one Practices female flower and 12-25 male flowers. Cultivate every two weeks from The individual flowers of leafy spurge the beginning of spring growth to are very small and greenish in color August 1 and every three weeks with the female flower surrounded by thereafter until fall. Intensive four yellow, horned, glands. cultivation between harvest and sowing of winter wheat or rye will The fruit of leafy spurge is a three- reduce the stand of leafy spurge. lobed capsule with one seed per lobe. Leafy spurge roots are easily The seeds are oval-shaped, silver-gray transplanted. Clean all equipment mottled with brown and ripen from before moving from the infested June to August. area to prevent spreading the infestation. Distribution and Adaptation 3. Biological Controls In Kansas leafy spurge is found in No biological control practices are fields, pastures, waste areas, and approved for leafy spurge control roadsides in a variety of soil types. In at this time. 2012, leafy spurge was reported in 10 counties, primarily in north and 4. Herbicides northeast Kansas. The following herbicides may be used for cost-share with land- Life History owners. Other products labeled Leafy spurge is an introduced peren- and registered for use on this nial weed from Europe first discov- noxious weed in Kansas may be ered in the United States in 1827. The used in accordance with label plant can become a serious problem directions but are not available in range and pasture situations where for cost-share. Be sure to follow it displaces useful forage plants. Leafy all label directions and precau- spurge contains a toxin that can be tions. For additional informa- fatal to cattle and horses; although, tion consult the current KSU Leafy Spurge sheep will graze the plant and are publication of “Chemical Weed currently being used in the northern Control for Field Crops, Pastures, plains to help keep leafy spurge from Rangeland, and Noncropland”. spreading. 2,4-D LV Ester Management Options Picloram (Tordon) Control of leafy spurge shall mean Picloram + 2,4-D (Tordon + preventing production of viable seeds 2,4-D) and destroying the plant’s ability to Imazapic (Panoramic, Plateau) reproduce by vegetative means. Imazapic + Glyphosate ( Journey) 1. Prevention Planting weed free seed, feeding Diflufenzopyr + Dicamba + livestock materials free of leafy Picloram spurge seed, and cleaning equip- ment before leaving infested fields Glyphosate (Roundup and others) may prevent the occurrence of new infestations of leafy spurge. Multiflora Rose Close attention should be placed (Rosa multiflora Thunb.) on any feed or seed materials imported from the northern Description and northwestern regions Multiflora rose is a perennial shrub of the United States. Quick that reproduces by seeds and, 18 sometimes vegetatively, by rooting at the tips of drooping side stems called Multiflora rose may also repro- duce vegetatively by rooting at the Kansas Noxious canes. The stems are up to 10 feet tips of drooping side canes. There long, in clumps, and are arching or is no practical action that can be Weeds trailing, usually growing about 6 feet taken to prevent the spread of high with the tips drooping almost multiflora rose. to the ground. The stems are covered with many stiff recurved prickles. 2. Cultural and Mechanical The leaves are pinnately compound, Practices usually with 7 to 9 leaflets. The leaf- Mowing pastures several times a lets are ¾ to 1½ inch long, elliptic, year will prevent multiflora rose toothed on the margins, nearly seedlings from becoming estab- smooth on the upper surface and paler lished. Mowing may be difficult, with short hairs on the underside. however, in the rough, wooded pastures where the rose is most The flowers of multiflora rose are apt to be a problem. Once large mostly white, sometimes pinkish, bushes become established, a bull- approximately ¾ to 1½ inches wide, dozer may be the only practical and are borne in a many-flowered mechanical control. However, panicle in May and June. even after bulldozing, some The fruits, called hips, ripen in July resprouting may occur, and seeds and are bright red, nearly round, that have been spread readily about ¼ inch in diameter and contain germinate in the disturbed soil. several angular seeds called achenes. 3. Biological Controls There are no biological controls Distribution and Adaptation approved for multiflora rose Multiflora rose is locally common in control at this time. Rose rosette, Kansas along roadsides, in pastures, a disease of multiflora rose native open woodlands, stream valleys, and to Kansas continues to reduce waste areas. In 2012, multiflora rose the incidence of multiflora rose. was reported from ten counties in the Look for branches that display eastern half of the state. Multiflora the characteristic “witches broom” rose is a county option noxious weed effect and are reddish in color. and therefore is not reported from The disease, which is fatal to each county. Multiflora Rose multiflora rose, is caused by a virus or virus-like disease, such as Life History a phytoplasm, and is spread by a Multiflora rose is an introduced very small wingless mite that can perennial shrub from eastern Asia. travel on wind currents. First planted as an ornamental in 4. Herbicides the United States, multiflora rose The following herbicides may be has spread throughout most of the used for cost-share with land- country and is especially problem- owners. Other products labeled atic on grazing land in southeast and and registered for use on this south central Kansas. noxious weed in Kansas may be used in accordance with label Management Options directions but are not available Control of multiflora rose shall mean for cost share. Be sure to follow preventing the production of seed and all label directions and precau- destroying the plants ability to repro- tions. For additional informa- duce by vegetative means. tion consult the current KSU publication of “Chemical Weed 1. Prevention Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Multiflora rose spreads primarily by seeds. Birds readily eat the Rangeland, and Noncropland”. fruits of multiflora rose and 2,4-D LV Ester spread the seeds by passing them through their digestive tract. 19 Kansas Noxious Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, Vanquish) one third of the state. In 2012, musk thistle was reported in 97 of the 105 Kansas counties with infestations of Weeds Glyphosate (Roundup and others) more than 40,000 acres reported for Wabaunsee and Washington counties. Picloram (Tordon) Counties with no or low musk thistle infestations were primarily in south- Imazapyr (Arsenal) west Kansas. Tebuthiuron (Spike 20P) Triclopyr + 2,4-D (Crossbow) Life History Musk thistle germinates in the spring Metsulfuron methyl (Escort XP, and/or fall and spends 90 percent of Cimarron) its life cycle as a rosette. Plants typi- Metsulfuron methyl + Dicamba cally bolt (sends up a flowering stalk) +2,4-D (Cimarron Max) in May and June with some sporadic flowering during the summer. Musk thistle is a prolific seed producer and Musk Thistle readily invades sites with disturbed (Carduus nutans L.) soils. For plants that germinate early in the year, seedling mortality Description is greatest in the late spring and Musk thistle is primarily a biennial summer. However, plants that germi- or winter annual but may occur as a nate late in the fall often have greater summer annual. The leaves of musk mortality, lower growth rates, later thistle are deeply lobed, hairless, and flowering times, and produce fewer are dark green with a light green seeds per plant. midrib. Each leaf has a characteristic whitish to silvery-gray margin along Management Options each spine tipped lobe. The base The control of musk thistle shall of the leaves on the stem extends mean preventing the production of downward giving the plant a winged viable seed. appearance. 1. Prevention Musk thistle is the first of the Kansas Musk thistle reproduces only thistles to bloom in the spring. The by seed. The likelihood of new large terminal flower is 1 to 3 inches infestations will be reduced by in diameter, solitary, purple in color, any action to prevent the produc- globe-shaped, and usually nodding or tion and movement of seeds. bent over slightly. The plant is freely Planting weed free seed, feeding branched and each branch may have hay free of musk thistle seed and one flower or more in addition to the cleaning equipment before leaving terminal flower. infested areas are methods that Musk Thistle will prevent the spread of musk Seed dispersal of musk thistle begins thistle. 7 to 10 days after blooming. Seeds are straw-colored, oblong, and ⅛ inch 2. Cultural and Mechanical in length. The seeds are attached to Practices parachute-like hairs (pappus) that Mowing: Mow with a rotary allow for their dispersal by wind mower before the first appearance currents. of pink on the flowers. Mowing at full bloom will prevent seed Distribution and Adaptation production. Mow cleanly and Musk thistle is locally abundant closely and repeat as needed for to infrequent in pastures, prairie control. ravines, hillsides, open wooded stream Hand Cutting - Digging: Cut valleys, fields, roadsides, and waste between the first appearance of areas. Musk thistle may be found pink and the first appearance throughout Kansas with the heaviest of brown on the pappus of the infestations found in the northern earliest heads. Cutting 2 inches 20  below ground level at any stage should kill the plant. Pick heads Imazapic + Glyphosate ( Journey) Kansas Noxious Aminopyralid (Milestone) that are beyond the bud stage and place in a tight container. Bury Metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D + Weeds the container at a landfill or other Dicamba (Cimarron Max) site that will not be unearthed. Clopyralid (Stinger) 3. Biological Controls Clopyralid + 2,4-D (Curtail) Two insects, musk thistle head weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus) Dicamba + Diflufenzopyr + and musk thistle rosette weevil 2,4-D (Trichosirocalus horridus) are Dicamba + Diflufenzopyr + approved for biological control Picloram of musk thistle but must meet the requirements set forth in Dicamba + Diflufenzopyr + K.A.R. 4-8-41. Consult with your Metsulfuron methyl County Noxious Weed Director for more information. Pignut 4. Herbicides (Indian rush-pea, hog potato) The following herbicides may be (Hoffmannseggia densiflora Benth.) used for cost-share with land- owners. Other products labeled and registered for use on this Description noxious weed in Kansas may be Pignut is a perennial legume with used in accordance with label deep roots on which develop nut-like directions but are not available tubers 10 to 15 inches below the for cost-share. Be sure to follow surface. Due to the depth at which all label directions and precau- they develop these tubers are espe- tions. For additional informa- cially difficult to remove from the soil. tion consult the current KSU The plant has simple to branched publication of “Chemical Weed stems, 8 to 12 inches high with a Control for Field Crops, Pastures, tuft of leaves at the stem base. The Rangeland, and Noncropland”. leaves are twice divided, 3 to 5 inches long, with 3 to 5 pairs of leaflets. The 2,4-D Amine or LV Ester leaflets are oblong in shape, 1/10 to Chlorsulfuron (Telar) ¼ inch long, and have characteristic glandular dots. Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, The flowers are of the pea type, Pignut Vanquish, and others) yellow or orange-red in color, approx- Dicamba + 2,4-D (Banvel + imately ½ inch long, and covered with 2,4-D) peculiar tack-shaped glands. Picloram (Tordon) The fruits of pignut are flat pods, Picloram + 2,4-D (Tordon + approximately 1 to 1½ inches long, 2,4-D) and few to several seeded. Metsulfuron methyl (Escort XP, Distribution and Adaptations Ally, Cimarron) Pignut is infrequent on rocky or sandy Metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D prairies, stream valleys, fields, and (Escort XP + 2,4-D) roadsides within Kansas. In 2012, only Meade County reported infesta- Imazapic (Panoramic, Plateau) tions of pignut. Clopyralid + Triclopyr (Redeem R&P) Life History Triasulfuron + Dicamba (Rave) Pignut is a native legume from the southwestern United States. It Dicamba + Diflufenzopyr reproduces by seed, by vegetative (Overdrive) propagules near the soil surface, and 21 Kansas Noxious by tubers deep in the soil. Pignut forms dense colonies in cropland but Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland”. is usually more widely scattered in Weeds pastures. Picloram (Tordon) Management Options Quackgrass Control shall mean preventing (Agropyron repens (L.) P. Beauv.) the production of viable seed and destroying the plant’s ability to repro- Description duce by vegetative means. Quackgrass is a perennial grass species that reproduces by seed and 1. Prevention underground rhizomes. The rhizomes New infestations of pignut may are pale yellow or straw-colored, be reduced by planting weed free cord-like, approximately ⅛ inch in seed and by cleaning machinery diameter and vary from 2 to 18 inches prior to leaving infested areas. in depth, depending on soil type with 2. Cultural and Mechanical roots arising only at the nodes. The Practices stems of quackgrass grow up to 3 feet Cultivation: Cultivate three to tall with 3 to 6 joints per stem. Leaves five inches deep at intervals so are ¼ to ¾ inch wide, 3 to 12 inches as to permit the weeds to grow long, shiny, and dark green in color. not more than 10 days after each In addition, the leaf bases of quack- emergence of first plants, but not grass typically have very conspicuous to exceed intervals of three weeks. horn-shaped appendages called auri- Cultivation shall be continued cles that clasp the stem. The lower, until the plants have been erad- dried leaf sheaths, leaf blades, and icated or have been suppressed stems of quackgrass are also typically to such an extent that remaining hairy while the upper leaf sheaths and plants may be more economi- blades are glabrous or nearly so. cally destroyed by other treat- The flowers of quackgrass occur in ment, such as the application of terminal spikes that are 2 to 4 inches approved chemicals to individual long and have 3 to 7 short-awned Quackgrass plants or by hand cultivation. florets in each spikelet. Grubbing: Small infestations The seed of quackgrass is a grain or should be grubbed out, taking caryopsis, ¼ to ⅜ inch long, elongated care to remove all the tuberous toward the slender tip and tapered to nut-like roots. a blunt base with each spikelet falling 3. Biological Controls intact as one unit. There are no biological controls approved for use on Pignut at this Distribution and Adaptation time. Quackgrass is an uncommon weed in gardens, pastures, cropland, 4. Herbicides waste areas, and in other relatively The following herbicide may be moist areas. In 2012, infestations of used for cost share with land- quackgrass were reported in Miami, owners. Other products labeled Nemaha and Shawnee counties. and registered for use on this noxious weed in Kansas may be used in accordance with label Life History directions but are not available Quackgrass is a cool-season grass for cost share. Be sure to follow introduced from Eurasia. It starts all label directions and precau- growth in early fall, remains green tions. For additional informa- during the winter, and makes tion consult the current KSU maximum growth in the spring. The publication of “Chemical Weed creeping rhizomes may extend 3 to 8 feet laterally with shoots along the entire length. Quackgrass is palatable 22 to livestock and can be used for grazing and hay. Good management may be used. In gardens, a rela- tively close spacing of squash Kansas Noxious of tame pastures usually reduces or pumpkins is effective in quackgrass invasion. controlling quackgrass. Weeds 3. Biological Controls Management Options There are no biological controls Control of quackgrass shall mean approved for use on quackgrass at preventing production of viable seed this time. and destroying the plant’s ability to reproduce by vegetative means. 4. Herbicides The following herbicides may be 1. Prevention used for cost-share with land- The occurrence of new infes- owners. Other products labeled tations of quackgrass can be and registered for use on this reduced by planting weed free noxious weed in Kansas may be seed, transplanting nursery stock used in accordance with the label free of quackgrass rhizomes, using directions but are not available livestock feed materials free of for cost-share. Be sure to follow quackgrass seed and cleaning all label directions and precau- equipment before leaving infested tions. For additional informa- fields. Particular attention should tion consult the current KSU be given to grass seed or grass publication of “Chemical Weed seed mixtures imported from the Control for Field Crops, Pastures, northern United States. Rangeland, and Noncropland”. 2. Cultural and Mechanical Glyphosate (Roundup and Practices others) Cultivation: Roots and rhizomes are killed by drying on the soil Fluazifop-P-butyl (Fusilade) surface. Tillage with a heavy duty Nicosulfuron (Accent) spring-tooth cultivator should be at a depth of 3 to 4 inches. The Nicosulfuron + Rimsulfuron shovels of such an implement (Steadfast) should be operated at a slightly Primisulfuron (Beacon) lower depth after each succes- sive tilling. The first operation should begin when growth starts Russian Knapweed in April. Succeeding cultiva- (Centaurea repens L.) tions should be made at intervals of approximately 1 week even Description though no growth of quackgrass Russian knapweed is