Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

378.
CHEMICAL TREATMENTS FORTHECONTROL OF LEAFYSPURGE(EUPHORBIA ESULA)
INTRODUCTION:
Stanford N. Fertig
(A SUmmaryReport)
Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) is a herbaceous, long-lived deep-rooted
perennial which reproduces and spreads by seed and underground roots and
rhizomes. It bas been known in the United States for more than 100 years and
has slowly but pers 1stently spread over thousands of acres in at least 25
states and in several Canadian Provinces. '!'be largest infestation in New
York at present is in Jefferson County and is estimated at 6,000 acres.
EX:PERIMERrAL MmBODANDPROCEDURE:
Y
RESULTSANDDISCUSSION:
Observations during the spring of 1959 showed a definite tb1nnine; of
the original .plants and a reduction in Vigor of nev shoots for the better.
treatments. However" based on shoot counts (Table I) made July 9, 1959" the
chemicals used were not effective in controlling Leafy Spurge. The values
recorded, which represent shoots of all sizes, include new shoots from roots
and rhizomes. The variation from the check is greater on the seed stage plots
than on the regrovth plots.
jJ Professor of Agronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, NewYork.