Envu Solutions – Wild parsnip

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a poisonous invasive weed that has invaded roadsides, power lines, pipelines and other non-crop lands in various areas throughout North America. Native to Europe and Asia, the plant is now in all Canadian provinces other than Nunavut and is ubiquitous within disturbed areas where it can form dense extensive stands.

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Wild parsnip is a member of the carrot/parsley family and, like other members of the carrot family such as giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), produces a chemical substance that can cause a painful blistering reaction when affected skin is exposed to sunlight.

Envu Solutions Wild parsnip

Post-emergent solutions

Applying Navius® FLEX to small parsnip plants – preferably when they are 10–15 cm tall – can improve control of established wild parsnip seedlings and rosettes. Additionally, Navius FLEX can be used in preventing the emergence of new seedlings. If parsnip plants are taller than 15 cm, effective control requires complete spray coverage of the foliage. Use application equipment that gives the best coverage of all parsnip plants while minimizing spray drift. Remember, taller plants, railroad ties, guardrails, and other obstacles can shield or shadow smaller plants and limit contact with shorter parsnip plants. Since dense stands have seedlings and rosettes among the flowering plants, it may take a few years to get total control.

Persistent application period

For long-term control of this problem weed, two to three years of successful annual control in spring and/or fall may be necessary. After control, the establishment of competitive cover is important to prevent new infestations.

Cleaning equipment after herbicide application to a site, mowing, ditching, or any other work on infested sites will help to prevent linear spread down rights-of-way.

No matter what kind of vegetation management problems you’re up against, Envu has a full range of solutions to help you take control.

For more information about wild parsnip, download the solution sheet or contact your local Territory Sales Manager for wild parsnip control strategies specific to your needs.

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