Selectively controlling bamboo by herbicide stem injections

Summary

Using herbicide stem injections to systemically control invasive bamboo species.

Situation

One of the most difficult weeds to control in ornamental, forest, and roadside situations is bamboo. There are many species of bamboo that can become invasive, but in the Eastern United States the genus Phyllostachys has become the dominate problem. While a more effective and easier control method is desired, much time and money is spent by homeowners and vegetative management officials to control unwanted bamboo.

Response

Based on preliminary results from research at UGA, an experiment was begun to determine if an herbicide injected into the bamboo stem would provide selective control of established invasive bamboo.

Impact

The herbicides glyphosate and imazapyr were injected into the internode of bamboo canes over 2 inches. At the 24 WAT rating, canes injected with imazapyr were dead, and the glyphosate inject canes were greater than 80% damaged. It is hoped that these herbicides will translocate to bamboo shoots connected to treated canes. This unique control strategy could provide effective means of controlling bamboo in many situations. Information attained from this research will be made available to growers through extension publications, refereed journal articles, as well as extension / professional meetings.

State Issue

Other Issue

Details

• Year: 2011
• Geographic Scope: International
• County: Pike
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources