Commencing in 2023, with support from TLC, the Tukipo Catchment Care Group engaged Mauri Oho (Jobs for Nature) to trial two control methods for Old Man’s Beard: targeted spraying and paste application. The trial was designed to assess the effectiveness of each approach and to help guide future control efforts aimed at protecting the biodiversity of the Monckton Scenic Reserve.

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Within the mapped control area, stems were cut at both one metre and ground level. In one section, stumps were treated with Vigilant II gel, while in a second section stumps were sprayed with a glyphosate solution (20 ml/L).

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Control work was undertaken in mid-December due to weather conditions. While treatment is ideally completed prior to flowering (typically before December), plants at this site had not yet fully flowered, providing a wider window for effective control.

 

The Old Man’s Beard infestation is extensive, and continued control will be necessary to ensure the initial investment delivers lasting benefits. Additional challenges include areas that are currently inaccessible due to dense blackberry, as well as sections where cliffs and steep banks present increased risk. These constraints will need to be addressed and factored into any future control work.