Variable Effects of Glyphosate and Triclopyr Used for the Control of American Bramble, Rubus cuneifolius agg, in Pine Plantations

Abstract

American bramble, Rubus cuneifolius agg, is a weed in pine plantations but information about the efficacy and long-term effects of herbicides is limited. Two trials are described in which observations continued for five and three years respectively. In the first trial, triclopyr and 2,4,5-T/dicamba applied in January to undisturbed or coppice bramble were very effective. Glyphosate was less effective. Applications in April were less effective, particularly that of 2,4,5-T/dicamba. The number of primocanes in this trial declined in all treatments after two years owing to competition from the trees which were planted at a spacing of 2,4 x 2,4 m and only pruned to a height of 2 m.