When Imperial Beach, Calif., called on Cynthia Drake, pest control advisor and owner of Drake Consulting, to help it establish an integrated pest management program, Drake did just that.
Drake identified approximately 70 weeds needing attention. After researching the best methods of suppressing the problem, she found that the broad-spectrum label of Chipco® Ronstar® brand oxadiazon herbicide from Rhone-Poulenc Ag Company, Research Triangle Park, N.C., effectively controlled many of the weeds she identified.
However, a broad-spectrum label was not the only criteria considered when deciding methods of control. Drake also surmised that the granular formulation of Chipco® Ronstar® was easy for the workers to apply. “Application technique is often the area I find maintenance personnel are weak on,” Drake noted. “A granular formulation applied with a calibrated spreader helps ensure that the product goes down in a consistent manner.”
In addition, given the constant concern of water usage in California, Chipco® Ronstar® G also met the need for water conservation. Unlike photosensitive chemicals, it can be applied under normal irrigation practices and it is not necessary to immediately water the area after an application.
Drake also provided Imperial Beach with recommendations about non-chemical controls to work in conjunction with her program, such as mulching, physical removal of weeds and regular site monitoring.
“Handling all of the cultural aspects correctly, such as soil and water management and proper pruning, it will go a long way to helping with weed control.”
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