Improved forage production following western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis Hook.) control with metsulfuron methyl

Two 6-yr studies were conducted in southeastern Saskatchewan to evaluate 2,4-D, Metsulfuron methyl (Metsulfuron) and a mixture of 2,4-D + Metsulfuron for the long-term control of western snowberry. Western snowberry is a small shrub that grows in dense stands in rangelands and pastures and acts as a physical barrier to grazing. At the study site, the shrub was growing with native grasses and forbs. Metsulfuron applied at 15 g a.i. ha−1 effectively controlled western snowberry for 6 yr. Control with Metsulfuron was better than with 2,4-D because Metsulfuron killed the crown of the shrub. Control was not improved when 2,4-D was added to Metsulfuron, and at low levels of Metsulfuron the presence of 2,4-D in the mixture rendered Metsulfuron less effective, resulting in a higher canopy cover. Grass production averaged over years and experiments was 788 kg ha−1 for the check and increased to 1328 kg ha−1 after Metsulfuron was applied at 15 g ha−1. Forb production was not affected by the treatments. Key words: Western snowberry, Symphoricarpos occidentalis, metsulfuron methyl, 2,4-D