CONTROL OF BUCKHORN PLANTAIN IN IRRIGATED PASTURES
Agronomy & Pest Management
Allan Sulser
Agricultural Extension Agent
Utah State University
Heber City
Abstract
Buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceotata) is a weed with increasing significance in Wasatch County. Other names for buckhorn plantain are narrow-leaf plantain, ribwart plantain, English plantain, and ribgrass. Plantain is a problem because it uses up soil nutrients, water, light and crowds out desirable plant species. Experiments were conducted during spring 2011 on a 12 acre site in Wasatch County, heavily infested with buckhorn plantain, to compare the effectiveness of five herbicides (chlorsulfuron, metsulfuron, triclopyr, 2,4-D, and 2,4-D amine) listed on their label to control plantain. The site was divided into eighteen equal sections (50 feet wide by 425 feet deep, and each herbicide applied to 3 randomly assigned sections. The three remaining sections received no herbicide treatment and served as the comparison for determining the percent reduction in the incidence of plantain achieved by the herbicides. Application of the pesticides decreased the incidence of plantain by 52%, 0%, 68%, 63% and 64%, respectively. Incidence was measured by random sample of tossing quarter square meter, ten times in each section, replicated at one month intervals three times. Plans for the coming year are to duplicate the trail using the two most effective herbicides from 2011 and adding three additional herbicides.
Authors: Sulser, A.
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Sulser, A. County Agricultural Agent, Utah State University, Utah, 84032