A study on the chemical control of cape ivy in a national park.  P. C. Fagg.  August 1988.  10pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

Two exploratory trials were carried out near Kallista in the Dandenong Ranges National Park to evaluate the selective herbicide LONTREL (active constituent 300 g L^-1 clopyralid) for the control of cape ivy (Senecio mikanioides). This introduced plant is a widespread bushland weed in southern Victoria.

Within 11 weeks of treatment, excellent control was obtained with LONTREL applied using either a hand-held rope-wick applicator (1 part LONTREL : 2 parts water) or a controlled-droplet applicator. Summer and winter applications resulted in similar levels of control. However, in the absence of follow-up treatment, cape ivy had re-colonised the plots to 50-70% of the original extent within 12 months. For long-term control, follow-up chemical or manual/mechanical treatment within 6-9 months of the initial treatment is clearly essential.

From the trials and the literature, LONTREL has the potential to cause damage to at least some species in the families Asteraceae, Mimosaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Monimiaceae, Urticaceae and Bignoniaceae. Accordingly, where native species in these families occur in association with cape ivy, LONTREL should be applied carefully, preferably with rope-wick type applicators which avoid spray drift.