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What to do when brambles ramble through the pasturesArkansas Many acres of Arkansas pastureland are infested with various bramble species such as blackberries, dewberries and raspberries. "The presence of brambles is generally an indication of neglected pasture," said Mark Keaton, Baxter County Extension staff chair with the University of Arkansas. "It's seldom found in well-managed grazing land, because it doesn't have an opportunity to become established." Highbush blackberries (Rubus species) probably are the most troublesome species in Arkansas, he said. These plants are perennials, but the individual canes are biennial, meaning they produce berries in the second year of growth. After that, they're replaced with new canes arising from the roots. "Anyone who has mowed established blackberries for a few years knows that mowing won't get rid of them," Keaton said. Mowing stimulates formation of new canes from lateral roots. Using a bush hog will provide some temporary relief, but no long-term control. "Problems caused by blackberry thickets are obvious," he said. The dense canopies discourage growth of pasture grass, and livestock avoid the thickets due to the spines. If brambles are allowed to become established, the amount of usable grazing land is significantly reduced. Herbicides can kill the roots of these plants, providing permanent control. The number of herbicides used to treat brambles in pastures is limited, since the materials must be cleared for use on grazing land. Using herbicides on grazing land that aren't registered for that purpose is a violation of federal law, Keaton said. Remedy, PastureGard and glyphosate are common pasture herbicides that will control blackberries well, if used correctly, he said. The recommended rate is three pints per acre or a 1 percent solution of Remedy or PastureGard or a 2 percent solution of glyphosate. He recommended applying herbicides when leaves are fully expanded and the foliage is dark green, either before first flower or after fruit drop. Application after fruit drop is preferred. Glyphosate may be applied in September, but don't apply to drought-stressed plants. Be sure to add a surfactant to the spray mixture. A follow-up spraying may be needed next spring to control those plants not killed by this application. "If you use glyphosate, there is a 14-day grazing restriction for spot treatment," Keaton said. "Also, grass in the treated spots will be killed by the glyphosate herbicide. Don't treat blackberries in the same year after mowing, shredding or burning. Even one year after removal of top growth, blackberry stands will be more difficult to control than undisturbed stands and will require re-treatment. Other pasture herbicides that control blackberries are Cimarron, Grazon P+D, Surmount, Crossbow, Spike, Velpar, Weedmaster, Banvel and Tordon 22K. "Remember always to read and follow herbicide label directions," he said. For information on pasture brush and weed control, contact your county Extension agent or visit www.uaex.edu and select Agriculture, then Beef and Livestock and Forages Publications. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture. 6/16/08 Date: 6/12/08
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