Scotch broom is a large, nonnative shrub that has invaded forests and grasslands in 27 U.S. states. Without treatment, Scotch broom's persistent seedbank ensures a continuing source of regeneration after soil disturbance. In growth chamber studies, five rates of three synthetic auxin herbicides, aminocyclopyrachlor (AC), aminopyralid (AP), and clopyralid (CP), were compared for PRE control of Scotch broom. Cumulative 90-d emergence, mortality, and biomass of seedlings did not vary among herbicides, averaging 42% of seeds sown, 75% of emerged seedlings, and 9 mg seedling-1 for treated containers, respectively, versus 46%, 17%, and 26 mg seedling-1 for nontreated containers. Low rates of each herbicide (<50% of the maximum labeled rate [MLR]) provided 60 to 80% control, whereas 100% MLR provided 69 to 89% control. Although the herbicides differed in cost per unit seedling mortality (AP < CP < AC), each demonstrated strong potential as a viable treatment for PRE control of Scotch broom.
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