Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) on Aug 1, 2020
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Description of specimen
We are seen a large amount of Tansy Ragwort this year compared to previous years. We sprayed in late spring, have uprooted many plants in the last week, but there are tons of little ones already growing. I read we are too late, since most are already in full bloom.
The best way to check for biological control agents (Tansy Flea Beetle, Cinnebar moth) is to actually go and examine the Tansy for the insects, or their damage, most likely on the leaves...tiresome and time consuming for sure, but I would still recommend that if you were able, to go and pull as much of the tansy as you can! It may have produced some viable seed, but if left to die in the field, it will undoubtedly reach its full seed potential! Spraying when you did is most effective, and any efforts to spray blooming tansy would not be nearly as effective, if at all....It'll take years of sustained chemical and physical control efforts to make a measurable effect, but those efforts will not be in vain!!
-Jackson Morgan, Polk SWCD
Polk SWCD
Aug. 3, 2020, 2:37 a.m.