Hawkweed suppression Molesworth Station

Abstract

At Molesworth Station mouse-ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) can be controlled through oversowing infested tussock grasslands with legumes and fertiliser. Control is achieved not through the eradication of the hawkweed but through reducing its dominance in the sward. On areas seeded prior to 1970 the resident Trifolium repens and the introduced Trifolium pratense achieve control and provide biomass for cattle consumption. On areas not previously seeded Lotus corniculatus achieves control of hawkweed and provides biomass. For control to be effective a maintenance· fertiliser programme is necessary.