AN ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF CONTROL METHODS FOR DIFFUSE AND SPOTTED KNAPWEED IN WESTERN CANADA

Abstract

Diffuse and spotted knapweed are introduced weeds that threaten to spread throughout the uncultivated drylands of Western Canada. By 1972 approximately 30 000 ha, mostly in British Columbia, were infested, with forage reductions of up to 88%. Presently the infestation may be increasing by 10% a year and it is estimated that 8.4–10.7 million ha are susceptible to invasion by one or the other species in Western Canada. This would be disastrous to both ranching and wildlife in the region. The economics of various options for control are discussed. Biological control, which is likely to require the introduction of six agents and cost a total of $1.8 million, is the most cost-effective solution. However, until it can be fully implemented (10–20 yr) new infestations can be spot-treated with picloram. It is also economic to convert dense stands to tame pasture after killing the knapweed with picloram at 0.5 kg/ha although the knapweed is likely to begin reinvasion after 4 yr.