Chemical control of Acacia karroo

Abstract

Various techniques and chemical methods to eradicate A. karroo were compared. Foliar spraying with different concentrations of water soluble formulations of Tordon was undertaken and the effectiveness of Tordon for the cut stump and partial frill method was evaluated. Power paraffin or diesel oil, with or without 2,4,5-T applied either as a cut stump or basal bark treatment was also tested. The effect of time of year on treatment was investigated, labour-lime studies undertaken and a costing analysis of the various treatments was done. The basal bark treatment with power paraffin was the most economic control method for single stemmed trees and was equally effective throughout the year. For young coppice growth foliar spraying can be considered.

Keywords: diesel oil|analyses|basal areas|bark|trees|bush encroachments|paraffin|Eastern Cape Province|coppice growth|chemicals|Tordon|plants|spraying|eradications|methods|techniques|controls|evaluations|treatments