Ferns are generally harder to kill with chemicals due to their physiology and life cycle. Ferns have a unique type of rhizome that stores nutrients and helps the plant to recover from damage.
Additionally, ferns have a life cycle that includes both sexual and asexual reproduction, which makes it easier for them to quickly regrow from root systems or spores if they are not completely killed by herbicides.
Finally, some fern species have evolved to develop chemical resistance to certain herbicides, making them difficult to control with these methods.
Rhizomes are one of the major survival tools of the fern for the reasons below:
- Stored Energy: Rhizomes store energy and nutrients that can be used by the plant to recover from damage, including herbicide application.
- Underground System: Rhizomes grow underground, which protects them from environmental stressors and herbicides that might otherwise kill the plant.
- Asexual Reproduction: Many plants with rhizomes can reproduce asexually, meaning that they can produce new shoots from the root system without needing seeds. This makes it easier for them to regenerate and spread.
- Resilience: Rhizomes are often more resilient and durable than above-ground stems and leaves, which makes them less susceptible to herbicides and other damage.
- Fragmentation: If a rhizome is cut or damaged, it can often regenerate new shoots from the fragments, which makes it difficult to completely eradicate the plant.
- Survival Mechanisms: Many rhizome-producing plants have evolved survival mechanisms to protect their root systems and ensure their survival, such as developing chemical resistance to herbicides.
Fern Control
There is no one "best" way to eradicate a fern infestation, as the most effective method will depend on the species of fern, the size of the infestation, and the location of the infestation. However, some common strategies include:
- Manual Removal: For small infestations, manual removal of ferns and their roots can be effective. Make sure to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
- Herbicides: Herbicides can be used to kill ferns, but be aware that some fern species may be resistant to certain herbicides. It may be necessary to try different herbicides or combinations of herbicides to achieve control.
- Mulching: Heavy mulching can smother ferns and prevent them from getting the light and air they need to grow.
- Solarization: Solarization involves covering the infested area with clear plastic to trap heat and kill the ferns and their roots.
- Integrated Pest Management: Using a combination of these methods and monitoring the infestation regularly can help to ensure that it is effectively controlled over time.
It's important to note that the use of chemicals, such as herbicides, should always be done with caution, following the manufacturer's instructions and all relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, before using any method, it is advisable to properly identify the species of fern to ensure that the most appropriate control methods are used.
Chemical Control
There is no single chemical combination that will work for all fern species, as the effectiveness of different herbicides will depend on the species of fern and the conditions in which it is growing. However, here are some common herbicide combinations that can be used for fern control:
- Glyphosate + Imazapyr: Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that can be used to kill ferns, while Imazapyr is a herbicide that is specifically formulated to control woody and herbaceous plants. The combination of these two herbicides can be effective in controlling fern infestations.
- Triclopyr + 2,4-D: Triclopyr is a herbicide that is often used to control woody plants, while 2,4-D is a herbicide that is often used to control broadleaf weeds. The combination of these two herbicides can be effective in controlling fern infestations.
- Pendimethalin + Imazapic: Pendimethalin is a pre-emergence herbicide that can be used to control the germination of fern seeds, while Imazapic is a post-emergence herbicide that can be used to control ferns that have already emerged.
Metsulfuron can be used in combination with other herbicides for fern control. Metsulfuron is a selective post-emergence herbicide that is effective against a variety of fern species, including bracken, ferns, and wood ferns.
Some common chemical combinations that include metsulfuron include:
- Metsulfuron + Imazapyr: This combination is effective for controlling a variety of fern species, as well as other woody and herbaceous plants.
- Metsulfuron + Glyphosate: This combination can be effective for controlling fern infestations in combination with glyphosate, which is a non-selective herbicide.
- Metsulfuron + Triclopyr: This combination can be effective for controlling ferns and woody plants, as Triclopyr is often used to control woody species and metsulfuron is effective against ferns.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and all relevant laws and regulations when using any herbicides. Additionally, before using any chemical combination, it is advisable to properly identify the species of fern to ensure that the most appropriate control methods are used.