Controlling Leucaena leucocephala with encapsulated herbicides

Abstract

Unmanaged Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) can form dense woody thickets which excludes other vegetation causing environmental damage. This trial investigated eight herbicide treatments, including six encapsulated herbicides in comparison with a basal bark treatment and a drill and fill liquid herbicide solution. The field trial was established and assessed prior to treatment and at 2, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after treatment. Five herbicide treatments resulted in high mortality of leucaena after 24 months. This trial increases the options for effectively managing larger stemmed leucaena growing amongst other desirable vegetation including within riparian and road corridors. These options also offer some environmental and worker safety benefits.