Saltcedar has become a major problem in riparian areas for land managers in the desert southwest. Many land managers realize the limitations of mechanical methods and fire on the long-term control of saltcedar because of its vigorous resprouting potential after disturbances. The use of individual plant treatments with herbicides containing triclopyr will enhance an integrated vegetation management program and reduce or eliminate the resprouting potential of saltcedar. By treating individual plants with a herbicide containing triclopyr land managers have been able to achieve desirable native species release in riparian restoration projects.
Triclopyr is a synthetic auxin, a naturally occurring plant hormone, which acts in plants to promote rapid growth and cell division. Control of undesirable saltcedar from triclopyr treatments is essentially due to an auxin overdose which causes uncontrolled growth of the plant.
Three products containing triclopyr are available for control of saltcedar in habitat management projects: Garlon 4, Garlon 3A and Pathfinder II. Garlon 4 and Pathfinder II are water emulsifiable and oil soluble formulations which can penetrate bark and can therefore be used in basal bark or cut stump applications (described below) at any time during the year (see table below). Garlon 3A is a water soluble amine salt formulation which needs to be directly applied to cut surfaces for plant uptake. Therefore, it is used only in cut stump and not for basal bark applications.
| Product | Cut Stump | Basal Bark |
| Garlon 4 | XX | XX |
| Garlon 3A | XX | |
| Pathfinder II | XX | XX |
Pathfinder II is a ready-to-use formulation featuring a naturally occurring non-petroleum distillate diluent. All triclopyr products have established grazing tolerances for cattle and can be used on sensitive sites according to label directions.
Several different application techniques can be used to control saltcedar with triclopyr products.
Basal Bark:
Garlon 4: Mix Garlon 4 at 25% volume/volume (v/v) + 75% v/v oil carrier. Use a backpack sprayer with a low volume solid cone or flat fan nozzle to apply the mixture to the lower 12-15 inches of the stems. Spray to completely wet the entire circumference of the stem, but not to the point of runoff.
Pathfinder II: Apply undiluted product in the same manner as Garlon 4.
Cut Stump:
This application technique applies the herbicide to the exposed cambium after the stem/trunk has been cut.
Garlon 4: Apply 25% v/v + 75% v/v oil carrier to the area adjacent to the cambium and bark around the entire circumference and the sides of the stump as soon after cutting as possible. Or apply undiluted product to wet the area adjacent to the cambium and bark around the entire circumference.
Pathfinder II: Apply undiluted product to the area adjacent to the cambium and bark around the entire circumference and the sides of the stump as soon after cutting as possible.
Garlon 3A: Apply undiluted product to the area adjacent to the cambium and bark around the entire circumference.
Individual plant treatments of saltcedar with triclopyr products:
allow for the selective removal of saltcedar while reducing resprouting;
release desirable grasses and other native vegetation;
eliminate broadcast overspray and damage to desirable vegetation;
allow for applications to be made year round, including dormant or non-nesting seasons;
offer the flexibility to fit into a variety of riparian and habitat management plans.
For more information contact Tim Baldwin at 1-800-358-2171 ext. 2432 or via email: tjbaldwin@dowelanco.com
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When using any pesticide product, read and follow all directions and precautions on the pesticide label.
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For information on the outcome of this workshop or integrated weed management in the Pacific Region (Region 1), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR, contact: Scott_Stenquist@fws.gov