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Injection of 2,4-D to remove hardwood midstory within red-cockaded woodpecker colony areas

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) colonies on the Angelina National Forest were monitored from 1984 to 1986, after hardwoods on the site had been injected with the herbicide 2,4-D. The herbicide effectively reduced the hardwood midstory; however, possible toxicity to woodpeckers and cavity tree mortality are problems associated with the use of 2,4-D. Because of its lower toxicity to pines, the herbicide hexazinone is suggested as an alternative to 2,4-D. Use of any herbicide is suggested only as a one-time application to eliminate large hardwoods so that prescribed fire can later be used to control hardwoods in woodpecker colonies.

Keywords

red-cockaded woodpecker, Picoides borealis, herbicide, hardwoods

Citation

Conner, Richard N. 1989. Injection of 2,4-D to remove hardwood midstory within red-cockaded woodpecker colony areas. Res. Pap. SO-251. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 4 p.
Citations
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/53447