Evaluating Control Options for Invasive Rubus caesius in Riparian Systems.

This article discusses the control options for the invasive plant species Rubus caesius (European dewberry) in riparian systems. Rubus caesius is a woody shrub native to Europe and Asia that has become naturalized in the vicinity of Ithaca, New York. The plant has been observed forming dense monocultures and spreading downstream in watersheds. The study compares the effectiveness of mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods for reducing the cover of Rubus caesius. The results show that herbicides, particularly glyphosate and triclopyr, combined with mechanical treatments, were the most effective in reducing the coverage of Rubus caesius. However, the use of herbicides may be restricted in certain areas, so alternative methods such as sequential cuttings may be considered. [Extracted from the article]