Resources for Non-Chemical Weed Control

Tim Hammerich

News Reporter

Yesterday we reported on the free downloadable manual and interactive online tool called WeedCUT recently developed by the California Invasive Plant Council and the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. These tools are meant to provide information on non-herbicide weed control to land managers. I asked California Invasive Plant Council science program director Jutta Burger what types of information managers will find in these resources.

Burger… “I think we have 21 different techniques that we cover in addition to several biological control techniques that we described in our online tool and in our manual.”

Burger says the over 20 tools and techniques aren’t all new, but it’s information that has never been compiled comprehensively in this way.

Burger… “They include things like just manual control, pulling weeds, using tools to pull weeds. So the concept behind that is getting the entire root out. Then they include things like flaming. Flaming isn't used very commonly by people, but it's a very effective tool for seedlings. How do you use it? When do you use it? What are the risks involved with it? Grazing, burning, stump grinding, girdling, you name it! You know, we got it in this control tool.”

You can download the free manual or use the WeedCUT online tool on the UCANR website.