Related Articles
Released 12 January 2012
Pom pom is in the pink again!
The following message from Allen:
I just want to thank and cheer on all the people who are tackling their Pom poms.
There is a big difference to be seen in from the entrance to KW although many flowers are still to be seen further in from the road.
The ideal and only way is to not let even one flower mature so we need to concentrate even more and get everyone involved.
The next 10 days are critical as the seed heads mature and each mature seed head will scatter literally thousands of seeds.
If you can get rid of infestations now it will be a much easier job for everyone next year
Remember once you have cleared an area the odd new flower will still appear – please nail these late developers as well
Please can all landowners, including owners of vacant land, make an urgent plan to clear the Pom pom before it becomes totally unmanageable
Pom pom is a category 1 invader – by law landowners are obliged to eradicate it from their land
Whats the problem with Pom pom?
No other plants will grow where Pom pom grows resulting in natural veld being destroyed. The roots produce a chemical substance that makes the soil sterile to other plants, inhibiting the germination of indigenous plants. Burning and brush cutting have the effect of stimulating more vigorous regrowth. (See www.Sanbi.org)
Method
Pompoms have several rhizomes underground. The stalk attaching to this rhizome breaks easily so they cant be eradicated by pulling them, out – one or more rhizome is left behind and the plant will re-sprout rapidly
The only method is the application of the correct herbicide
- You need a large bag, pruning sheers and a spray applicator.(A Windowlene type spray is ideal – a little herbicide goes a long way)
- Cut the pink heads off, over the bag so that they do not scatter seeds in the process. This is very important. Simply letting the cut heads fall in the veld will result in the seeds in those nheads continuing to mature to be spread by any little breeze
- Cut the long stalks back until you have a good rosette of leaves almost at ground level. Spray these leaves and cut stalks with the herbicide. This way you avoid broadcast spraying the herbicide onto surrounding plants
- If staff are doing it please supervise until you are sure they are doing it correctly.
- Best to only treat in the morning (up to about 12) if there is any chance at all of afternoon rain
- The seed heads should be carefully destroyed either by burning. Do not put them on your compost!
Herbicides:
There are several options
Brush-off by du Pont is registered for Pompom eradication (SANBI SA National Biodiversity Institute April 2011) Available at larger nurseries – phone ahead to check, or phone du Pont 011 218 8600
Plenum – a special Pom pom kit has been put together by Rhenosterspruit Conservancy. It consists of the herbicide, a wetting agent and a dye. This dye is temporary but makes it easy to see where you have been working (but the absence of the pik heads does the same thing is you spray as you dehead). You can get the pack at Harties Produce at the Rhenosterspruit Garage. R150 – probably enough for 2 seasons
Working for Water – attached is an application form. This form is intended as an application to have a W4W team to come in – not recommended. The Pompom will have seeded the whole of KW by the time they get here and when they do they are pretty useless.. But complete the form and you can get the herbicide for your own use. Free Can be collected at their offices just to the West of the Harties dam wall
Thanks all
PS Owners of vacant land – if you are unable to get to your land to sort the problem – please contact us (info@kalkheuvelwest.co.za) and we will organize a team of local KW staff to attend to it. Obviously there will be a piece work rate for the staff , but a KW resident will asses the problem before hand and let you know what might be involved.
Request for Clearing Assistance (MS Excel)
Land Owner Agreement (MS Excel)
Kalkheuvel West Landowners & Residents Association
Back to Related Articles
Blog your comments here.