Comparison of Torching and Glyphosate Applications for Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Control

Trials were conducted over three years to evaluate two torchings, torching followed by glyphosate application, raking followed by glyphosate application, and one or two yearly applications of glyphosate for control of Japanese stiltgrass. A single glyphosate application in fall reduced Japanese stiltgrass cover but the percent cover increased during the following growing season. Either two torchings or two applications of glyphosate per season for three years gave excellent Japanese stiltgrass control but plants recovered the year after treatments ended. Raking away leaf litter in spring increased Japanese stiltgrass cover. Torching followed by a glyphosate application was less effective than 2 applications of glyphosate. Treatments would need to be repeated for over three years to eradicate Japanese stiltgrass from a site. Species used in this study: Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A Camus.