Sericea Lespedeza Control Program

Sericea Lespedeza Control Program

DESCRIPTION

Perennial, stems erect, to 5 ft. tall, appressed hairy only along the ridges on the stem, leaves with 3 leaflets, leaflets less than 1 in. long and less than ¼ in. wide, wedge shaped (cunate), flowers  few (1-4)  in  the  axils  of the leaves from mid or late July to October, petals yellowish or tinged with purple, about ¼ in long, fruit (pod) about 1/8 in. long, roundish with pointed ends in outline, flattened.

PREVENTION OF SPREAD OF SERICEA LESPEDEZA

Sericea lespedeza  spreads primarily by seeds.   The method of seed dispersal is probably by animals and the seeds will float in water and can be carried downstream. Persons planting mixtures of seeds for erosion control and wildlife habitat should ensure sericea lespedeza is not included in the mix.

SERICEA LESPEDEZA CONTROL PRACTICES

Control of sericea lespedeza shall mean preventing production of viable seeds.

CULTURAL CONTROL PRACTICES

Rangeland  -  Prescribed burning  at  the  proper  time  (late spring)  followed by intensive early stocking (double stock until July 15 and then remove cattle) may reduce the occurrence of sericea lespedeza. Mature cattle grazing early in the season are more apt to utilize sericea lespedeza.

Tame pastures - Proper fertilization and grazing during April and May may reduce the occurrence. Late grazing or no grazing will increase sericea lespedeza.

Grazing  infested  areas  with  sheep  and  goats  will  provide effective control of sericea lespedeza.

Mowing in the late bud stage for 2 to 3 consecutive years from mid-July to late summer should reduce the vigor of the stand.

HERBICIDES APPROVED FOR CONTROLLING SERICEA LESPEDEZA

Follow label directions and precautions with all chemicals. These chemicals are State approved for the cost-share program.

Pasture and Rangeland
Metsulfuron Methyl (Escort)
Triclopyr (Remedy, Garlon)
Triclopyr + Fluroxypyr (Pasturegard)
Non-cropland
Garlon 4 (Triclopyr). Apply at 1 to 2 pints per acre during the late summer while the plants are in flower.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL PRACTICES

There are no biological controls approved for sericea lespedeza at this time. Adopted by Board action dated July 28, 1992.

COSTS PER ACRE
Inquire at Weed Office (620-382-3190)