Asparagus weeds - Weeds Australia

Asparagus virgatus single crown separated from running rhizomeNote: crowning knife is approximately 300 mm longAsparagus virgatus crowns connectedAsparagus virgatusPhysical removal of this weed is often verydifficult, due to the way in which its root systemcan spread beneath the roots of nearby vegetationas well as other objects such as rocks, logs andother structures (e.g. fences). Most infestationsare therefore being suppressed using foliar spraytreatments with hand gun application of 5–15 gmetsulfuron-methyl per 100 L water plus theadjuvant Pulse ® . While the lower rate gives aslower, but higher percentage kill, it can limitthe suite of other weeds that can be controlled.Therefore, under average conditions where a rangeof weeds may be targeted (e.g. other asparagusweeds, Lantana camara, Chrysanthemoidesmonilifera (bitou bush), Nephrolepis cordifolia(L.) Presl (fishbone fern), Ageratina adenophora(Spreng.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (crofton weed), andRubus fruticosus aggregate (blackberry)), 10–15 grates are usually applied.The treatment is monitored for efficacy andthoroughness and, within 6–12 months after initialcontrol, follow-up foliar spraying or grubbing(where appropriate) is undertaken. With thisapproach, the council is gradually reducing theextent of each patch and preventing plants fromflowering and setting seed.Two less weeds to worry aboutPort Macquarie-Hastings Council uses GIS to helpmap and monitor the reduction in the extent andabundance of these two weeds.Asparagus virgatus two crowns, connected by rhizomeAsparagusstemsTree rootRhizomeAsparagus virgatus stems and rhizomes running beneath tree root‘In every instance we approach the managementof Asparagus falcatus and A. virgatus from thesame perspective – that is, we weigh up the costof managing a small problem now versus a largeproblem later.’ Peter Michael, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.108