What is Multiflora Rose?
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Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is an invasive shrub that was introduced to the United States in the 1800s as a rootstock for ornamental roses and as a natural fence. It has since spread aggressively, outcompeting native plants and forming dense thickets that can be difficult to control.
Effective Herbicides for Multiflora Rose Control
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What Herbicides Work Best?
To effectively manage and eliminate multiflora rose, a combination of methods can be employed, including chemical, mechanical, and biological control, as well as long-term management strategies.
The most effective herbicides for controlling multiflora rose include:
- Glyphosate: Roundup, many others. Effective as a foliar spray (1-1.5% solution) or cut-stump treatment (10-20% solution or 1:1 with water).
- Triclopyr: Garlon 3A, Crossbow (in combination with 2,4-D). Effective as a cut-stump treatment (undiluted or 50% solution) or foliar spray (1-1.5% solution).
- Dicamba: Banvel, Clarity. Effective as a foliar spray (1% solution).
- 2,4-D: Often used in combination with other herbicides like triclopyr (Crossbow) or dicamba. Effective as a foliar spray (1-1.5% solution).
When is the Best Time to Apply Herbicides?
- Foliar Spray: Apply when plants are fully leafed out, typically in late spring to early fall.
- Cut-Stump Treatment: Apply during July to September or in the dormant season.
Mechanical Removal Techniques
What Tools are Needed?
- Hand Tools: Digging tools, Weed Wrench®, pruning saws, and loppers for smaller plants.
- Heavy Equipment: Bulldozers, mowers, and tractors for larger infestations.
How to Mechanically Remove Multiflora Rose?
- Pulling and Digging: Effective for small, scattered infestations. Ensure all roots are removed to prevent re-sprouting.
- Mowing: Mow plants 3-6 times during the growing season for multiple years to reduce populations.
- Cutting: Cut stems as close to ground level as possible. Repeated cutting (every 1-2 months) can weaken the plant by depleting root reserves.
Biological Control Options
What Biological Agents are Available?
- Rose Seed Chalid (Megastigmus aculeatus var. nigroflavus): A small wasp-like insect that attacks developing seeds of multiflora rose, reducing new infestations.
- Rose Rosette Disease (RRD): A disease that can be used for biological control, but its effectiveness and environmental limitations are still being studied.
Long-term Management Strategies
How to Prevent Multiflora Rose Regrowth?
- Well-Managed Pastures: Maintain a healthy pasture sward through proper grazing practices to out-compete multiflora rose.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor areas for new multiflora rose growth, especially after control efforts.
- Revegetation: After control efforts, revegetate the area with native species to prevent multiflora rose from re-establishing itself.
- Maintenance: Continue to manage the area through mowing, grazing, or other methods to prevent the return of multiflora rose.