Management of Spreading Pricklypear (Opuntia humifusa) with Fluroxypyr and Aminopyralid

Abstract

Experiments were conducted throughout central Florida from 2010 to 2014 to determine the effectiveness of fluroxypyr or aminopyralid for control of spreading pricklypear. Aminopyralid + 2,4-D (0.09 + 0.75 kg ae ha−1) was not effective and provided only 15% control by 18 mo after application (MAT). However, fluroxypyr at 0.55 kg ae ha−1or sequential applications of 0.27 kg ha−1provided greater than 82% control at 18 MAT. Reducing fluroxypyr rates to 0.32 kg ha−1reduced control to 40 and 71% for spring versus fall applications, respectively. However, the addition of aminopyralid + 2,4-D to fluroxypyr at 0.32 kg ha−1improved pricklypear control to 92%, regardless of application timing.