Pampasgrass and Jubatagrass Threaten California Coastal Habitats

Can they be controlled?

Many of the sites infested with pampasgrass and jubatagrass are environmentally sensitive, which limits the available control options. Unfortunately, biological control efforts have not been investigated. In addition, burning or grazing do not provide long-term control, as plants quickly resprout.

Mechanical control. Pulling or hand-grubbing jubatagrass seedlings are highly effective. For larger plants however, a Pulaski (axe on one end and hoe on the other), mattock (pick on one end and hoe on the other), or long-bladed shovel is the safest and most effective way of removing established clumps. To prevent resprouting, it is important to remove the entire crown and top section of the roots. Regrowth from the lower roots is unlikely. Detached plants left lying on the soil surface may subsequently take root and reestablish under moist soil conditions. A large chainsaw or weedeater can expose the base of the plant, allow better access for removal of the crown, and make disposal of the removed plant more manageable. Once flowering has occurred, cutting and removing or burning the inflorescence is important to prevent seed dispersal during the mechanical operation.

Roadside infestation of jubatagrass

Chemical control. Control of pampasgrass and jubatagrass can be achieved by spot treatment with a postemergence application of glyphosate (Roundup Pro) at about 2% solution or 8 qts per 100 gal. Homeowner formulations of Roundup will require a 4% solution. The addition of a nonionic or silicon-based surfactant may be necessary to enhance foliar penetration of the herbicide. For most effective control, plants should be sprayed to wet but not to the point of runoff. Fall applications result in better control compared to summer applications, as photosynthetic assimilates are translocating downward at a faster rate late in the season. However, it may be necessary to apply the herbicide prior to the maturation of viable seed in late summer. Other registered postemergence herbicides may also be effective in the control of pampasgrass and jubatagrass. These include the postemergence graminicides sethoxydim (Poast) fluazifop (Fusilade), and clethodim (Prism), as well as the broad-spectrum herbicide imazapyr (Chopper, Stalker, or Arsenal). In forestry operations, hexazinone (Velpar or Pronone) is a soil residual root absorbed compound also effective in the control of pampasgrass. Once plants have been killed, clumps can be removed mechanically and left to decompose naturally. In wildlands, leaving the dead clumps may prevent subsequent pampasgrass or jubatagrass seedling establishment.

Combinations: For very large clumps, cutting or burning can remove the top foliage and the regrowth treated with a systemic postemergence herbicide. This method reduces the amount of herbicide applied compared to treatment alone.

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