A new tool for the control of Wilding Pines on non-grazed land

The spread of Wilding Pines across the New Zealand landscape is perhaps the biggest bio-diversity threat to the country’s unique eco-systems and spectacular landscapes. New Zealand is renowned for its iconic landscapes and stunning scenery which are under threat. Wilding Pines can spread into and threaten native conservation areas, including Alpine Tussock land and severely impact the natural eco-systems that support native flora and fauna and have negative impacts on areas of cultural significance.

In 2016 the New Zealand government established the National Wilding Control Program which is administered by the Ministry of Primary Industries. Since the program begun it is estimated that approx. 50% of the known infestation has received at least one round of control work as of June 2021. To maintain momentum new and improved control tools are required. To ensure ongoing funding is secured, control efforts continue to be assessed for return on investment.

Over the past 4 years Envu has been collaborating with key industry stakeholders trialing the new herbicide, Method 240SL, on various wilding species, including Pinus Contorta, Pinus Radiata, Pinus Sylvestris & Douglas Fir. When compared to standard products and practices, Method proved to be effective at lower rates.

Method 240SL Herbicide contains the ingredient aminocylopyrachlor (ACP), a new active ingredient to the market. ACP is highly active which gives flexibility with application technique and best results are achieved when applied to actively growing plants. Method can be applied using various techniques including aerial foliar spray (AFSA), aerial and ground spot spraying, basal bark & stem injection.

At our key trial site in Twizel, in the McKenzie basin, we compared the use of Method 240SL with the industry standard for AFSA of the tank mix commonly known as TDPA. The trials here included comparing Method 240SL mixed with a single methylated seed oil; mixed with the same surfactant package used with TDPA and also tank mixed with a second active ingredient. These trials showed some great results and through 2023 and 2024 we will be looking to expand on these trials even further to really tease out the best possible combinations to deliver the greatest return on investment for the program.

In another trial at Southern Kaingaroa forest drones were used, to simulate sites with difficult access or sparsely dispersed trees, to great success. High concentration, low volume applications of Method 240SL had outstanding results, truly proving that Method does offer a level of flexibility with application techniques.

Envu Vegetation Management is committed to providing highly effective, flexible products that provide you with the power to reclaim the land and plan to expand our trial program to further validate the efficacy of Method 240SL in the various geographies and micro-climates experienced in New Zealand.

To find out more information, reach out to our team. 

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