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Application Placement Technologies for Vegetation Management on North Carolina Roadsides (2003-08)
Principal Investigator(s):	Travis Gannon, Research Associate Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University Dr. Fred Yelverton , Associate Professor Department of Crop Science , NCSU
Project Period & Status:	July, 2002 to June, 2006 Complete
Topic(s):	Vegetation Management
Total Funding:
Abstract:	Research experiments were designed and initiated to determine if application placement technologies offer a viable solution for vegetation management along North Carolina Roadsides. Select equipment was evaluated for broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) control in centipedegrass rights of way as well as for plant growth regulator applications along tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) or bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) roadsides in North Carolina. Research experiments were repeated in time. Evaluated application placement technologies included equipment which incorporated mowing into the pesticide or plant growth regulator application as well as equipment that only wiped the foliage. Much important data were collected and will aid in devising a more complete vegetation management program for North Carolina Roadsides. Additionally, through this research, control options which incorporate application placement technologies were identified for broomsedge control along North Carolina roadsides. This is extremely important for NC DOT as control options had not been identified prior to completing this research. It appears Burch Wet Blade (also known as Diamond Wet Blade) would be the best fit for broomsedge control along centipedegrass roadsides in North Carolina. With glyphosate (2 qt/a) applied through Burch Wet Blade at one gallon per acre mown at four inches, we were able to obtain 90% broomsedge control through one year after treatment. As for plant growth regulator applications along tall fescue or bahiagrass roadsides with application placement technologies, in no instance were application placement technologies advantageous to a conventional broadcast spray application. These data indicate application placement equipment would be beneficial to certain aspects of vegetation management along North Carolina roadsides.
Publications & Presentations:	2003-08 Final Report (PDF 180 KB)


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