Bracken fern control for radiata pine plantations in South Australia

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Abstract
Early research demonstrated bracken fern, Pteridium esculentum, to be a significant weed responsible for suppression of growth in Pinus radiata plantations in the south-east of South Australia. However, treatments to control the fern failed to produce consistently good results. This paper presents results from more recent trials of various pre-plant treatments. The best results have been obtained with autumn applications of herbicides to dense stands of mature healthy fronds. This occurred when site preparation treatments such as windrowing and ploughing were undertaken at least six to seven months beforehand to give the bracken fronds sufficient time to regenerate. In general, glyphosate has been more effective than asulam, hexazinone, chlorsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl. All warrant further research on factors effecting efficacy. Adjuvenants such as diesel plus emulsifier, Ulvapron and particularly Silwet have enhanced the herbicide effect on mature fronds. The current recommended treatment for operational use is an autumn application prior to planting of glyphosate at 3.24 kg ha−1 a.i. plus Silwet at 0.25% v/v. This has provided effective control of bracken for a period of up to four and a half years after treatment.