Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Sprays of 2.2 kg ae/ha of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] and 0.5, 1.1, or 2.2 kg ae/ha of clopyralid (3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) were applied at three Utah sites. The 2,4-D and 1.1 or 2.2 kg/ha of clopyralid effectively controlled mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. # ARTTR ssp. vaseyana). Applications of 2.2 kg/ha of 2,4-D resulted in 84% mortality of antelope bitterbrush [Purshia tridentata (Pursh.) DC] and killed 96% of the Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.). Clopyralid applications of 2.2 kg/ha killed only 5% of the antelope bitterbrush and 6% of the Saskatoon serviceberry. Thus, clopyralid is an effective alternative to 2,4-D for control of mountain big sagebrush when the desirable shrubs antelope bitterbrush and/or Saskatoon serviceberry are present.