Integrated Management of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) along the Platte River in Nebraska

The nonnative biotype of common reed has invaded wetlands in many states including Nebraska, especially along the Platte River from Wyoming to the eastern edge of Nebraska. Therefore, three studies (disking followed by herbicide, mowing followed by herbicide, and herbicide followed by mechanical treatment) were conducted for 3 yr (2008 to 2010) at three locations in Nebraska. The objective was to evaluate common reed control along the Platte River using an integrated management approach based on herbicides (glyphosate or imazapyr), mowing, and disking, either applied alone or in combination. The level of weed control was determined by visual rating, percent flowering, and stem density. On the basis of visual rating, disking and mowing used alone provided common reed control for only a few months. However, the control was significantly prolonged (e.g., at least three seasons) when disking and mowing were combined with herbicide applications. Disking followed by herbicide and mowing followed by herbicide significantly reduced flowering and plant densities (P = 0.0001) compared to the untreated check. These results suggest that a combination of weed control methods has potential to control common reed.