The effect of four broadleaf herbicides on seedlings of five native and one introduced grass species.

Abstract

The effect of four broadleaf herbicides (metsulfuron-methyl, bromoxynil + MCPA, chlorsulfuron and 2,4-D mine), on the growth of five native and one introduced grass species was tested on the seedling stage of each grass. The growth of Elymus scabrus, Chloris truncata and Eragrostis curvula was not affected by any of the herbicides used. Bromoxynil + MCPA appeared to be the least damaging of the herbicides on the growth of Bothriochloa macra, Danthonia caespitosa and Enteropogon ramosus, although the extent of damage caused varied between the species. Metsulfuron-methyl, chlorsulfuron and 2,4-D amine had detrimental effects on all three species. The variability of responses to broadleaf herbicides exhibited by the native grass species suggests that herbicide trials will be a necessary part of native grass domestication programs.