Welcome to the Douglas County Weed Management Websites.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook, "Control of Problem Weeds" page has been updated! This website give information regarding specific weeds that may be troublesome to control. Herbicides and/or rates listed cannot necessarily be used on cropland. Rates of application and restrictions vary depending on crop or site. Do not apply to a crop or site not listed on the label.
pnwhandbooks.org/weed/other-items/control-problem-weeds
In October 2004, Douglas County Commissioners activated the Douglas County Weed Management Task Force and appointed nine individuals who geographically represent Douglas County agriculture and urban areas. Margaret Viebrock, WSU Extension, was appointed to facilitate this committee and help to develop weed management strategies.
Ex-officio members of this Task Force include representatives from Douglas County Transportation and Land Services, Foster Creek Conservation District, Douglas County Commissioners and WSU Extension.
Task Force Directives (defined by the Douglas County Commissioners)
- Develop a communication system with all entities that have weed control programs.
- Gain a better understanding of weed control methods used by other other entities.
- Design a system to coordinate weed control efforts.
- Continue the process of developing an informed educational approach to weed management in Douglas County.
- Engage landowners and agencies in a cooperative weed management program.
Since the appointment of the Douglas County Weed Management Task Force, the committee has taken a proactive approach to learn about various weed management programs. Members have met with agency people, integrated weed management program managers, state weed board representatives, county noxious weed control managers and other groups who manage weeds. The best parts of these programs have been integrated into the local plan of work. Members have also spent time in Olympia with state legislative groups explaining how the program has been successful in Douglas County.
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WEED OF THE MONTH
Photo by Linda Wilson
Photo by Dale Whaley
Photo by Richard Old, www.xidservices.com
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Photo by Dale Whaley
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Dalmatian toadflax
FACTS
- Douglas County Class B weed.
- This Perennial was introduced from southeastern Europe.
- Toadflax is typically found along roadsides and in disturbed areas, gardens, cultivated fields, grasslands, and transitional forest grassland (Powell et al. 1994).
- This plant is toxic however, it is generally considered unpalatable to livestock (Rees et al. 1996).
- Alternate leaves are broad, ovate to ovate-lanceolate.
- Flowers are bright yellow and resemble snapdragons.
- Seed capsules are egg-shaped to nearly round.
- Mode of reproduction is by seed and vegetatively from roots.
- A mature plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds annually (Morishita 1991).
- Seeds may remain viable for up to 10 years.
- Seeds can be dispersed by both wind and animals.
- Dalmatian toadflax is a persistent, aggressive, invader and capable of forming dense populations through creeping root systems.
- Other common names: Broad-leaved toadflax, wild snapdragon
- Control Methods:
Cultural: Intensive disking can be an effective management method on cropland under some circumstances. This method requires at least 2 years with 8-10 cultivations in the first year, and 4-5 cultivations in the second year (Morishita 1991). Follow-up seeding is also required to help provide competition with the weed.
Fire: No information available.
Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook and/or contact your local WSU Extension office or local chemical provider for specific chemical recommendations. When using chemical control options, it is very important to add a “surfactant” like Syl-Tac to help breakdown the waxy cuticle that cover the plant.
Mechanical: Cutting plants reduces top growth seed production but will not kill the plant. Hand-pulling toadflax before seed-set each year can be effective management options for new and small infestations.
Biological: Currently there are several biological control agents that have been introduced by USDA-APHIS to help manage unwanted toadflax populations. The most effective insect agent is the stem-mining weevil “Mecinus janthinus”. Adult insects feed on the leaves and stems; while larvae inside the stems disrupt the flow of nutrients thus causing the plant to become stunted.
For more information visit:
www.nwcb.wa.gov/weed_info/Linaria_dalmatica.html
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