Calotrope (Calotropis procera) control
Joseph Vitelli A E , Barbara Madigan B , Peter Wilkinson C and Peter van Haaren DA Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPIF), PO Box 36, Sherwood, Qld 4075, Australia.
B Biosecurity Queensland, QDPIF, PO Box 187, Charters Towers, Qld 4820, Australia.
C Plant Science, QDPIF, PO Box 2282, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.
D 397 Palmerston Hwy, Innisfail, Qld 4860, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: joseph.vitelli@dpi.qld.gov.au
The Rangeland Journal 30(3) 339-348 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ07064
Submitted: 15 November 2007 Accepted: 16 May 2008 Published: 16 September 2008
Abstract
Calotrope [Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.Aiton] is an exotic shrub or small tree species that is currently invading the tropical savannahs of northern Australia. A chemical trial involving 11 herbicides and four application methods (foliar, basal bark, cut stump and soil applied) was undertaken to identify effective chemicals to control calotrope. Of the foliar herbicides tested, imazapyr provided 100% mortality at the rates applied, and the higher rate of metsulfuron-methyl killed 100% of the treated plants. The herbicides 2,4-D butyl ester, fluroxypyr, triclopyr and triclopyr/picloram killed greater than 80% of the plants when applied by a basal bark or cut stump (when cut 5 cm above ground level) method of application. Plants cut close to ground level (5 cm) were controlled more effectively than plants cut 20 cm above ground level.
Chemical control (foliar and cut stump spraying) is a cost effective tool to treat calotrope densities <800 plants/ha. Adoption of pasture management practices that promote perennial grasses, in conjunction with strategic chemical control, would further increase the effectiveness and reduce the costs of controlling vast areas of this weed.
Additional keywords: chemical, cut stump, rangelands, spraying.
Acknowledgments
We thank the Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries for financial support. The authors would like to thank Carl Andersen, Andrew Beattie, Dannielle Brazier, William Dorney, Peter James, Tanya Robinson, Catherine Setter, Dr Wayne Vogler and Alan Smith (Etheridge Shire) for their technical assistance and Drs Shane Campbell and Dane Panetta for their constructive comments on the manuscript.
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1All values in Australian dollars.
