Rural Roots Special Edition - Weeds of Distinction | Page 2

Weeds of Distinction
If left unmanaged, plant species designated under the Alberta Weed Control Regulations
have the potential to devastate a variety of land uses.
These designated plants
can create monocultures
by outcompeting our native
species. This in turn affects
cereal, oilseeds and forage crop
yields; depletes soil quality;
ruins infrastructure; and can
be toxic to human and animal
health. It’s important that
the MD and residents work
cooperatively to ensure that
these designated plant species
are managed, by utilizing Best
Managed Practices that directly
affect our ecosystems.
mdlsr.ca/Agricultural-Publications
Did you know that
prevention is the easiest
way to control the spread
of these plant species?
Employing simple techniques
such as washing equipment
(including ATVs/UTVs) between
fields before and after use
is an effective strategy. Also,
interrupt weed seed analysis
both in crop and garden/flower
purchased seed and/or mixes,
and become familiar with
our area’s designated weeds
and their Best Management
Practices. Not every species is
the same, and each may require
a different method of control.
Best Management
Practices (BMP)
BMP can involve mechanical
control (handpicking/mowing),
chemical control (herbicides)
or biological control (insect,
grazing, cover crop etc.).
Applying a BMP that is best
suited to the land use and
targeted species will require
constant monitoring for overall
effectiveness. Be sure to consult
a reputable source about which
herbicides and tank mixes
will prove most effective, as
some plants are known to be
resistant to certain herbicides
i.e. Glyphosate (Round-up)
and 2-4-D. Often applying
an integrated management
approach is the most effective
and practical solution to a weed
infestation. The following list
is current targeted designated
species within our municipality.