PROGRESS ON CATTAIL MANAGEMENT TO REDUCE BLACKBIRD DAMAGE TO SUNFLOWER

Authors

H. Jeffrey Homan, USDA, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
George M. Linz, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Ryan L. Wimberly, USDA, North Dakota/South Dakota Wildlife Services
Linda B. Penry, USDA, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

January 2001

Comments

Published in Proceedings of the 23rd Sunflower Research Workshop (January 17–18, 2001, Fargo, ND). National Sunflower Association, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Abstract

In 1989, the USDA began experimenting with cattail management to reduce sunflower damage caused by blackbirds. Dense stands of cattail, which often hold large numbers of blackbirds in late summer and early fall, were thinned with glyphosate-based herbicide. Based on promising results from initial research, a statewide cattail management program was started by the USDA in 1991.