Smilax

Asparagus asparagoidesSpecial note:  Self-introduced biocontrol rust is present in the Whangrei Heads area. Most obvious signs of impact usually in July August.

How to Control:

  1. Dig out tubers. Dispose of them at a refuse transfer station or burn them. Leave  foliage on site to rot down.
  2. Weed wipe spring-early summer (300ml glyphosate/1L water).
  3. Spray in spring-early summer: cut vines 60cm above ground, spray lightly, avoiding runoff, with (200ml glyphosate + 20ml penetrant/10L water). Do not add penetrant when spraying against tree trunks.

Stems break at ground level so plants cannot be pulled out.Tubers can resprout after spraying. Spray regrowth after 2 months. Follow up every year until seed bank exhausted (seeds probably not long-lived). Grubbing tubers can expose soil, allowing seeds to germinate.

Replant treated areas where possible when control is achieved after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion. Grubbing tubers can expose soil, allowing seeds to germinate.

CAUTION: when using any herbicide or pesticide PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Click here for more information on the herbicides referenced in the control methods, or here for more information on the suggested techniques.

Need some help? Get in touch

Would you like help with weed control techniques, equipment, and herbicides? Get some support with tackling weeds on your own property or community reserve. Thanks to support from the Northland Regional Council, we can provide all products and equipment for free. 

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