Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm.) Management on Nova Scotia Dykes

Abstract

Wild chervil is an invasive weed on NS dykes that out-competes grasses that provide protective cover and limit soil erosion. Mowing timing and frequency, herbicide application timing and type, as well as both combined, were evaluated as management options for wild chervil on NS dykes. There were minimal no differences among mowing timings and no major benefit in mowing twice. Aminocyclopyrachlor + metsulfuron-methyl, aminopyralid/ metsulfuron-methyl and aminocyclopyrachlor + chlorsulfuron were the most effective herbicides evaluated. Application timings of aminocyclopyrachlor + metsulfuron-methyl were evaluated alone and in combination with mowing. Mowing did not improve efficacy and the most effective times to spray were the floral bud and bloom stages. HPLC-UV analysis found herbicide residue in roots of wild chervil plants sprayed at bloom. We conclude that herbicides effectively controlled wild chervil on NS dykes and that mowing was ineffective.