Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass)

Burning has been effective in areas with an existing component of native plants, either above ground or in the soil seed bank. To be effective, burns should be conducted in the late spring, early to mid-summer, or early to late autumn. Early spring burning stimulates the production of shoots (Apfelbaum, 1993).

Heavy equipment alone seems unsuccessful in the removal of this species. Rapid re-growth occurs from rhizomes and seeds that remain in the soil. Clipping back plants at ground level and covering them with opaque black plastic sheets can reduce but not eliminate populations (Apfelbaum and Sams, 1987). However, this method is not always successful because seasonal inundation may displace covering materials (Gillespie and Murn, 1992). Mowing may be a valuable control method since it removes seed heads before maturity and exposes the ground to light, which promotes the growth of native species. In Wisconsin, USA, twice-yearly mowing in early to mid-June and early October led to increased numbers of native species relative to P. arundinacea-infested plots that were not mown (Gillespie and Murn, 1992).

Glyphosate, amitrole, dalapon and paraquat have all shown some success. Maximum control depends on the timing of application (Apfelbaum and Sams, 1987). These herbicides provide control for 2 years at the most. After this period, treated areas are recolonized from adjacent stands or from seedbank recruitment (White et al., 1993). In Washington State, USA, glyphosate treatment, followed 2 or 3 weeks later by burning, has also been effective. Because this species is often present in or near watercourses, careful consideration should be given to the environmental and legal consequences of the use of herbicides.

Kilbride and Paveglio (1999) recommend cutting (discing) followed by herbicide treatment in the following growing season. Without herbicide use, the species quickly re-grows from rhizomes. They recommend that the cutting/herbicide regime continues until the site water level can be altered sufficiently to reduce P. arundinacea growth. The use of fire helps to ensure mortality by killing re-sprouts and germinants which appear after herbicide use (Apfelbaum, 1993).