Effectiveness of Chemical and Mechanical Management on Perennial Baby’s Breath in Conservation Reserve Program, Rangeland, Pasture, and Hayland
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 18, Issue 1 - June 2025
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
Our understanding of the invasive potential of Gypsophila paniculata L. (baby’s breath) and the ecological and economic consequences has progressed in recent years. However, there is a lack of information concerning management of the invasive species using chemical control in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), rangeland, pasture, and hayland. This study investigated the herbicide and mowing options in perennial ecosystems in northeastern Montana using a split plot randomized complete replicate design with three replicates. Three different herbicides applied in the fall, spring, or fall and spring, and a non-sprayed control were applied for a total of 10 treatments. The herbicide active ingredients (a.i.) evaluated included imazethapyr, dicamba, and metsulfuron-methyl. The split plot included (non)-mowed to simulate dryland haying operations utilized by producers in the region. Herbicide treatments containing the a.i. metsulfuron-methyl significantly reduced the density of baby’s breath at the end of the three-year study, strongly indicating that active ingredient is more important than timing. Mowing had no effect on density of baby’s breath (P=0.3930) and did not interact with herbicide treatment (P=0.3067). Perennial grass cover was not affected by herbicide treatment over the three-years (P=0.6101). Metsulfuron-methyl treatments applied in the spring were the most effective in reducing the density of baby’s breath. Mowing or haying should not be used as standalone treatments for baby’s breath, as mowing does not affect the density of baby’s breath. Furthermore, if admissible for the site, mowing or haying operations should take place before the flowering stage to effectively inhibit seed production.
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