Asparagus weeds - Weeds Australia

Case studyA potential new technique for treating Asparagus aethiopicus inhard-to-access locationsSue Bower, Lord Howe Island Board and Stuart McDonald, Byron Shire Council, NSWWeed managers on Lord Howe Island are faced with controlling infestations of Asparagusaethiopicus growing in remote, hard to access cliff locations. They are currently trialling the splattergun to control mature stands of A. aethiopicus, with some success.The splatter gun is a relatively new tool that is commonly used on lantana and bitou bush. Herbicideconcentrations for splatter guns differ from that of normal foliar spray guns, and technique isextremely important. Further information on splatter guns can be found at your local weeds authorityor rural supplies store (or in the lantana and bitou bush management manuals at www.weeds.org.au).‘Trial the technique in an accessible location first as you want to make sure you get it right beforeyou use it remotely.’ Sue Bower, Lord Howe Island Board.For A. aethiopicus, the trick is to be sure that each ‘frond’ gets agood ‘splatter’ of herbicide. Weed managers are using a ‘crosshatch’ pattern or linear splat that ensures that each frond getsan appropriate cover of herbicide (for further information andcontact details, see Section 7).Suitability of method• Use on mature and dense A. aethiopicus stands of similar age.• Apply at least a 20% herbicide cover on each plant.• Ensure a good ‘splat’ of herbicide hits each asparagus frond(stem).• Apply herbicide in a cross-hatch pattern by using long archingstrips, or a strip along each frond for individual plants.• Apply when the weed is actively growing and notHayden Denmeade from The Good Bush Peopleunder stress.demonstrating the use of the splatter gun – as you traverse acliff, it is best to spray down from above, or from the sideSplatter gunSue BowerAdvantages• Great for use in hard to access locations with lowweed density (e.g. cliff faces, areas of low wateravailability).• Splatter gun is lightweight and portable.• Requires minimal use of water.• Good response with mature age stands (i.e. thick,mature ground cover of asparagus).• Can achieve targeted control.• Minimal soil disturbance.Disadvantages• Only suitable for use in dense, mature-aged stands (e.g. monocultures).• If used in the wrong way, off-target damage can be amplified because of theconcentrated nature of this technique.• If you are using the technique in hard to access locations, you want to makesure your technique is right! Consult with others who have experience usingthe splatter gun.• Not recommended for use on multi-aged stands of asparagus (i.e. wherethere are young plants that may not be exposed to herbicide; or where thereis a high concentration of seedlings).For an example of how a community group is effectively using a splatter gun in coastalenvironments please refer to Pittwater Eco Warriors YouTube videos, e.g. ‘The how andwhy of splatter guns’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=LozAyJcghck.64