Economic Evaluation of Chemical Mesquite Control Using 2,4,5-T

Abstract

Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa) represents the most severe brush problem in the Texas Rolling Plains. Substantial research has been conducted on control methods, but economic analysis has been limited. The purpose of this study was to develop an evaluation model and evaluate the economic feasibility of 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid) for honey mesquite control in the Rolling Plains. The model is used to estimate the net present value of added grass production from treatment with 2,4,5-T over the life of the treatment; the central part of the model is the estimated herbage yield response function. The gross value of treatment with 2,4,5-T was estimated using different combinations of livestock price, top kill, canopy cover, and discount rate. Of the situations analyzed, gross value of mesquite control varied from a low of $22/ha to over $73/ha. These returns compare to current treatment costs of $22-25/ha.