BACKGROUNDConifers, mainly of the genus Pinus, have invaded natural and productive landscapes worldwide. Controlling dense conifer invasions is challenging and requires both effective initial control methods and long‐term site management to prevent re‐invasion. Broadcast aerial herbicide application is often the preferred treatment method for dense infestations of pines with high rates of complex herbicide mixtures used. The objective of this study was to: (i) test the efficacy of four simple herbicide mixes (containing two active ingredients and one adjuvant) as compared to an operational standard (four active ingredients and three adjuvants) for control of Pinus contorta invasions in a field trial and (ii) to quantify the effect of treatment mixes on non‐target vegetation to determine impacts to plant community composition.RESULTSWe found that a simplified herbicide mix containing two active ingredients and one adjuvant was equally as effective as the current operational standard, with efficacy for all treatments increasing as a function of stem density. All herbicide treatments significantly impacted the post‐spray community composition with differences among treatments in post‐spray vegetation composition also detected. Following all treatments plant communities transitioned from a mixed native/exotic grassland‐herb community to a simplified community dominated by exotic grasses.CONCLUSIONSOur results indicate a simpler herbicide mix could be used for broadcast aerial control of dense pine invasion reducing total herbicide input and cost of the operation. Post‐spray vegetation community recovery could reflect the impact of the herbicides used in the operation compounded by soil biogeochemical processes already initiated through the pine invasion. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

中文翻译：

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优化空中除草剂处理以控制密集的针叶树侵扰：新西兰案例研究


针叶树，主要是松树属，已经侵入了世界各地的自然和多产景观。控制密集的针叶树入侵具有挑战性，需要有效的初始控制方法和长期的场地管理，以防止再次入侵。广播空中除草剂施用通常是松树密集侵扰的首选处理方法，复杂除草剂混合物的使用率很高。本研究的目的是：（i） 在田间试验中测试四种简单除草剂混合物（包含两种活性成分和一种佐剂）与操作标准（四种活性成分和三种佐剂）相比控制松树入侵的功效，以及 （ii） 量化处理混合物对非目标植被的影响，以确定对植物群落组成的影响。