Author Information

Sonia Theresa BornemannFollow

Presentation Type

Poster

Faculty Mentor’s Full Name

Robin Saha

Faculty Mentor’s Department

Environmental Studies

Abstract / Artist's Statement

Herbicide is a widely used tool to control populations of invasive annual grass species outcompeting native species. However, because herbicides often have negative side effects on the environment like water supply contamination, it is important to use the least amount of herbicide possible while still killing the target species. Indaziflam is a relatively new herbicide on the market that is already widely used. This study will answer the question of whether the herbicide Indaziflam is still effective at decreasing the amount of annual invasive grasses by 90% when sprayed at lower concentrations than recommended. Invasive annual grasses North African grass(Ventenata Dubia), Japanese brome(Bromus Japonicus), and Cheatgrass(Bromus Tectorum) have a high potential to take over an area and crowd out native species but can be controlled by herbicide use. These three species are found at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, where this study takes place. In order to determine if lower concentrations of Indaziflam can decrease populations of selected grasses by 90%, different concentrations lower than the 7 ounces per acre(o/a) recommended by the manufacturer, Bayer, were applied to five individual plots. Each plot was then divided into subplots with different concentration applications. Four transects were laid in each subplot and species present at every three feet along the transect were recorded. This study analyzes the frequency of these three annual types of grass two and three years after a 3 o/a and 5 o/a Indaziflam herbicide application. Preliminary analysis shows that there are significant differences between the treatment plots. Further analysis will show the level of effectiveness of each treatment. This study will lead to less usage of this potentially harmful herbicide when it's used to control selected invasive grasses. Results will be particularly useful for land managers looking to control populations of these species.

Category

Life Sciences

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Apr 21st, 11:00 AM Apr 21st, 12:00 PM

Indaziflam Herbicide Application for Invasive Annual Grass Population Control on Montana Prairie

UC South Ballroom

Herbicide is a widely used tool to control populations of invasive annual grass species outcompeting native species. However, because herbicides often have negative side effects on the environment like water supply contamination, it is important to use the least amount of herbicide possible while still killing the target species. Indaziflam is a relatively new herbicide on the market that is already widely used. This study will answer the question of whether the herbicide Indaziflam is still effective at decreasing the amount of annual invasive grasses by 90% when sprayed at lower concentrations than recommended. Invasive annual grasses North African grass(Ventenata Dubia), Japanese brome(Bromus Japonicus), and Cheatgrass(Bromus Tectorum) have a high potential to take over an area and crowd out native species but can be controlled by herbicide use. These three species are found at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, where this study takes place. In order to determine if lower concentrations of Indaziflam can decrease populations of selected grasses by 90%, different concentrations lower than the 7 ounces per acre(o/a) recommended by the manufacturer, Bayer, were applied to five individual plots. Each plot was then divided into subplots with different concentration applications. Four transects were laid in each subplot and species present at every three feet along the transect were recorded. This study analyzes the frequency of these three annual types of grass two and three years after a 3 o/a and 5 o/a Indaziflam herbicide application. Preliminary analysis shows that there are significant differences between the treatment plots. Further analysis will show the level of effectiveness of each treatment. This study will lead to less usage of this potentially harmful herbicide when it's used to control selected invasive grasses. Results will be particularly useful for land managers looking to control populations of these species.