Mile-A-Minute Vine, Asian Weevils, Battling Botanists, and the New York Times

In 2013 there were at least two sightings of mile-a-minute vine in Glastonbury, one of which was documented by our friends at UConn (CLICK HERE to go to the Invasive Plant Journal's 2013 post about the discovery). In both instances the vines were removed but we have to assume that Glastonbury is at the beginning stages of a long-expected mile-a-minute infestation. With 52 square miles, much of which is wooded, there have to be unnoticed infestations that will spread and establish a seed bank before they're noticed. Well on that cheerful note...

There were two excellent articles in the New York Times recently featuring mile-a-minute vine. Links follow. The first is about infestation in New York City parks and attempts to control via the Asian weevil. The second is about two Connecticut botanists and their continuing battle against mile-a-minute vine. The article states that the vine has been documented in 42 Connecticut towns.

Urgent Task For Insect: Stop A Relentless Vine
 
On Patrol With the Weed Warriors

Advocates Present at Glastonbury Town Council

Three Glastonbury advocates for a Town invasives control plan and increased action to control invasive plants appeared before the Town Council on September 23, 2014. They made a very compelling case in the short time window allowed for "public comments."

To view the meeting CLICK HERE. The first two commentaries begins 6:30 minutes in, and the second begins at 23:00 minutes.

Thanks to these concerned citizens for taking action!

Early Fall: Best Time For Oriental Bittersweet Control

There are several good times for eradicating oriental bittersweet (but there are no bad times). Spring is the best time to pull small plants before their root structures become established. The best time to control seed crop is by cutting vines before the berries develop (by early June). If treatment with herbicide is needed any time will work but the most effective time is right now (mid-September to October 1st, more or less depending on weather).

Early fall is when plants are pulling nutrients down to the root system for storage over the winter. Any application of herbicide will also be pulled into the root system, which maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment. It is much better to have one effective treatment than treat ineffectively multiple times.

Treatment can be foliar for small plants, and cutting with treatment applied directly to the cut vine for larger plants (vines over 1/2 inch diameter). Do your research first and always use any herbicide in accordance with the label. Use the least possible amount to get the job done. Application to cut vines tends to use the least amount. Foliar sprays can impact beneficial insects and plants. If you can accomplish the job without herbicides that is preferred but some infestations are so bad that herbicides may need to be considered.

CLICK HERE for a good article explaining the fall treatment.

CLICK HERE for a fact sheet outlining treatment methods.

The decision as to whether to use any herbicide is up to the property owner. This site does not recommend any particular method. Property owners should do thorough research before making their decisions.