Evaluation of Herbicides for Control of Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is an invasive species that forms dense, monotypic stands in wetlands, moist meadows, and riparian areas. We implemented a reed canarygrass removal study at five sites in eastern South Dakota using imazapyr, imazapic, and glyphosate individually and in combination. Eight treatments (five in fall, two in spring, and a control) were applied at each location in fall 2005—spring 2006. Herbicides were applied over clipped vegetation that had residual vegetation removed. Reed canarygrass cover was 93% in untreated plots, and ranged from 21%–66% in herbicide treated plots at the conclusion of the study. Herbicide treatments containing imazapyr provided control for two growing seasons.