Control of Honey Mesquite by Shredding and Spraying

Abstract

Simultaneous shredding and spraying of honey mesquite were studied in the Rolling Plains of Texas. Mature trees were shredded and sprayed monthly, May, 1972, through October, 1972 (September was omitted). Herbicide treatments consisted of 2,4,5-T amine, 2,4,5-T ester, and Tordon 225 Mixture applied alone and in combination with naphthalene acetic acid (1, 5, 10, 50, and 10,000 ppm). Very high percentage root mortality was obtained when the trees were shredded and sprayed in May, with somewhat lower percentages obtained from treatments applied in June and October. Root mortality obtained from treatments applied in July and August was generally lower than that obtained from treatments applied during any other month. However, results from treatments applied any month of the study exceeded the results one could expect from either shredding or spraying applied alone during a comparable period. Tordon 225 Mixture was consistently most effective in controlling shredded mesquite. Therefore, shredding accompanied by a simultaneous herbicide application has potential in control programs.