Critical Period Cutting:

We often get inquiries about how to control woody invasive plants (e.g. buckthorn and honeysuckle) without using herbicides. Recent development of a new technique called critical period cutting (CPC) offers promise as an effective, non-chemical alternative. This technique involves removing growing leaves and branches at critical times in the life stage of the plant. This is done in spring (May/June) after full leaf out and early fall (September) before leaf color change. These timings stress the plant and require it to use energy stored to regrow leaves and stems. Repeated application of this approach to individual buckthorn plants is reported to be effective. However, details of the frequency of cutting, size of the plant, and growing conditions such as shade vs full sun may impact success. We are currently researching its effectiveness in Wisconsin across multiple sites and conditions.

You can find a detailed factsheet from the Friends of the Mississippi River here. If you are interested in doing CPC as a citizen science project, you can find resources at a Google Drive folder here.

Contact Matt Wallrath at WIFDNcoordinator@gmail.com to be included in our research or with questions.

Ongoing trails:

We have many other ongoing field trials. You can contact our Principle Investigator Mark Renz at mrenz@wisc.edu and our Research Specialist Travis Wilson tjwilson9@wisc.edu if you are interested in exploring options with the lab.

Topics of Interest

• Integrating common control methods for wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) near roads with imazapic + metsulfuron for grass height suppression – 2020 WSSA Conference Abstract | Poster
• Do applications of systemic herbicides when green fruit are present prevent seed production or viability of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard)? – 2019 IIPC Conference Abstract | Poster
  
• Waterhemp Management with Residual Herbicides in Established Alfalfa – 2019 NCWSS Conference Poster
• Weed Control, Clover Injury, and Resulting Yield From GF-3731 in Rotationally Grazed Pastures – 2019 NCWSS Conference Poster
• HBT Intervention Strategies Protecting Critical Habitat Assets against Invasive Species. (Hawaii Invasive Species Council) Abstract
• Increasing invasive species monitoring and effectiveness through the Wisconsin First Detector Network. (United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service – Plant Protection and Quarantine [USDA APHIS PPQ]) Abstract
• Identifying factors to optimize establishment of alfalfa interseeded in corn (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) Abstract
• Minimizing the impact of invasive plants in the Kickapoo Valley (Nuzum Reforestation Fund) Abstract
• Regional Roadside Turfgrass Testing Program. (Wisconsin Department of Transportation) Abstract
• Understanding opportunities and challenges associated with grazing public grasslands of Wisconsin. (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) Abstract
• Development and deployment of habitat suitability models under current and future climate for regulated invasive plants in Wisconsin (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) Abstract