Prairie Response to Canada Thistle Infestation, and Native Forb Response to Aminocyclopyrachlor
Abstract
Prairie response to Canada thistle invasion was evaluated by comparison of forage yield between aminopyralid treated and non-treated infestations in North Dakota. In general, forage production was unaffected by Canada thistle in both grazed and wildland locations. The economic threshold was 37 stems m-2 for a treatment to be cost-effective. Canada thistle should still be controlled to improve overall flora quality. The susceptibility of 10 prairie forbs to aminocyclopyrachlor at 0, 35, 70, and 105 g ha-1 was evaluated in the greenhouse. Blue flag iris was tolerant and harebell was moderately tolerant to aminocyclopyrachlor. American licorice, prairie rose, purple prairie clover, and wild bergamot were moderately susceptible; however, plants may regrow in the field as some survived at 105 g ha-1. Azure aster, Canada goldenrod, great blue lobelia, and purple coneflower were very susceptible to aminocyclopyrachlor and likely would be eliminated in the field.