Summary of Arundo Control Methods

The two main options for Arundo control are 1) Chemical application and 2) Mechanical removal. Potential biological control agents for Arundo are being investigated.

For a summary of Arundo control methods and options for dealing with the biomass, right-click here to view or download the WMA’s poster that was presented at the CalEPPC 2001 Symposium (right click and select "Save Target As" to save file this 2 MB GIF file).

1. CHEMICAL APPLICATION:

This has generally been the most widely used method, and can be quite successful. Since Arundo generally grows in riparian systems, the herbicide most often used is Rodeo (glyphosate) because it has been approved for use in wetlands by the EPA. If treatment is not occurring in or near water then Roundup can be used.

The three main methods of herbicide application are:

1. Foliar spray (spraying herbicide on to leaves and stems without any cutting first)
2. Cut and spray (cutting stems and spraying or painting herbicide on to cut stem surface)
3. Cut, resprout, and spray (cutting stems, letting plants resprout, and spraying resprouts with herbicide).

OPTIONS FOR DEALING WITH ARUNDO BIOMASS

2. MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF ARUNDO STEMS AND RHIZOMES:

Mechanical removal of Arundo can be effective IF you are able to removed the ENTIRE rhizome root mass. If any of the rhizome mass is left in the ground it WILL resprout. Repeat: it WILL resprout.

3. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL METHODS:

The search for a biological control agent for Arundo has begun, but many years will probably pass before any potential biological control agents are identified. The process of identifying an appropriate biological control agents is lengthy because the agent must first be found, and then must go through a rigorous testing program to make sure it will not effect negatively affect any species other than Arundo. In the meantime we think that is important to control Arundo using other methods. There is no guarantee a successful biological control agent will be found, and while waiting for one Arundo will continue to spread and negatively impact our riparian areas.

PERMITTING NOTE:

If Arundo control is occurring within or immediately adjacent to a stream or river, then a Streambed Alteration Agreement (1600 permit) may be required from the California Department of Fish and Game. If there is any removal of soil within wetland areas (e.g. if Arundo rhizomes are being mechanically removed from the soil) then you may need a Army Corps 404 permit. If there are threatened or endangered species present within the habitat where the Arundo is being removed then you need to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the timing of the Arundo control may need to be tailored around the life cycle of the endangered species (e.g. no Arundo control during the nesting season of Least Bell's Vireo).

MORE INFORMATION:

This is a great resource and contains detailed information on each control method:

Arundo: A Landowner Handbook, 1999: The Sonoma Ecology Center, Team Arundo del Norte, and Cal State Sacramento Media Services have put this together. It provides an overview of different treatment methods, in addition to other useful information on Arundo and its control. A draft of the Handbook can be found at: http://www.vom.com/sec/restoration/arundo.htm. To request a copy contact Team Arundo del Norte at http://www.ceres.ca.gov/tadn or call Joel Trumbo at (916) 358-2952. In San Diego County you can request a copy of the manual from Diane Dejong at UC Cooperative Extension: (858) 694-2845 or (760) 728-1332, slrwc@TFB.com.