Increase Grass Production and Grazeable Acres with Prickly Pear Control
Prickly pear cactus is a common invasive species that typically invades rangelands in the Southwest United States. Prickly pear can reach high densities, limiting forage diversity as well as forage production on rangelands throughout the Southwest. This causes the species to drive many weed and brush control decisions for land managers. Throughout the Southwest, prickly pear coverage of rangeland can easily reach 50 percent of the landscape. During years with adequate rainfall, forage production on ranches can reach 1,000 pounds per acre for livestock to graze. If a pasture has 50% coverage of prickly pear, it reduces the forage production by half. On a 1000-acre pasture, forage production just went from 1,000,000 pounds to only 500,000 pounds. As a result, it would force the landowner to a.) destock, resulting in reduced income from selling fewer calves or b.) increase supplemental feeding, increasing production costs.
In wildlife focused areas, prickly pear is also a common nuisance to hunters by reducing open space, cutting down on plant diversity, and inhibiting travel for wildlife and hunters. The dense growth of prickly pear can create impassable thickets, making it difficult for hunters to navigate through the terrain. It also competes with native grasses and plants for water, sunlight, and nutrients, reducing the availability of forage for wildlife.
Prickly pear control is commonly applied from January to March when there are no leaves on trees above the prickly pear allowing for the herbicide to have clear and free access to the plant. An added benefit of this treatment is the broadleaf weed control received in addition to the prickly pear control for the coming season. Herbicide needs to be applied when there is adequate soil moisture or a significant chance of rain in the near future to ensure the plant is actively growing and will receive the herbicide.
Alligare’s Triumph 22K delivers a high rate of control on prickly pear and can be applied at 32 oz/A as a broadcast application or 1% v/v as an individual plant treatment application. Grass grows with flexibility when systemic control of woody plants and broadleaf weeds is achieved. Triumph 22K sets the standard in invasive and noxious weed control while removing unwanted vegetation. This effective and economical herbicide is a restricted use product. Another option for excellent control of prickly pear is Alligare's Cleargraze herbicide which can be applied as an individual plant treatment at a rate of 1% v/v.
Show how much you care about your grazing spaces and wildlife habitats by spraying prickly pear.
