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Chemical effects on
controlling of Rhododendron ponticum L. in
western black sea forest region of Turkey
Erol Kirdar* and Murat Ertekin
Bartın
University, Faculty of Forestry, 74100 Bartın, Turkey.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
ekirdar@yahoo.com.
Tel.: +90 3782277422. Fax: + 90 378 228 7205.
Accepted
12 March, 2009 |
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Rhododendrons
impair the natural and artificial regeneration and seedling
growth in the pure and mixed forest stands in Turkey. To
control the rhododendrons by employing the sprout-less
herbicide applicator (SLHA) is the main goal of this study.
Two studies were conducted in the western black sea region
of Turkey. Each study area was selected from natural mixed
stands of beech (Fagus orientalis L.) and each one
contained 30 sampling plots; roundup ® (glyphosate) and
Arsenal ® (imazapyr) herbicides were used in different
concentrations. Measurements were performed after the
treatment on dead, dying and active stumps; average stump
height and diameter, weak/very weak and active re-sprouts,
average sprout’s diameter and height from every stump cut.
Recovery or re-growth potential (vigor index) and basal area
reduction of every stump were also calculated in every plot.
The treatment efficacy was tested by using the vigor index
values. Multiple variance analysis showed that SLHA
treatment was very effective in reducing basal area of
Rhododendron ponticum at the end of the second growing
years after treatment. This means that the sprout-less
herbicide applicator seems to perform well in reducing the
rhododendron competition to the point of enhancing the
establishment of commercial forest species. In addition, no
mechanical problems were encountered in the study areas
during the herbicide application process.
Key
words:
Weed
control, glyphosate, imazapyr, Rhododendron ponticum,
beech. |
