Efficient removal of Spartina alterniflora with low negative environmental impacts using imazapyr

A study conducted along the Jiangsu Coast, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China, demonstrates that imazapyr, an imidazolinone herbicide, effectively removes smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) with minimal negative environmental impacts. The research found that imazapyr inhibited both germination and flowering within 30 days and completely eradicated the plant within ten months, regardless of concentration used. Residues were detected for up to 14 days but at very low levels, exponentially decreasing over time, and no residues were found in macrobenthos, which are crucial for seafood resources. The herbicide did not reduce macrobenthos density, indicating its potential as a safe control method. However, the study recommends larger-scale field trials to assess any adverse effects when used at a landscape level.

Peng, H.-B., Shi, J., Gan, X., Zhang, J., Ma, C., Piersma, T., & Melville, D. S. (2022). Efficient removal of Spartina alterniflora with low negative environmental impacts using imazapyr. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.1054402