Chemical erradication of asparagus plant

[jvanvliet]

Originally Posted by greendoctor

Upon further research, the most effective means of dodder destruction is flaming with propane gas. That is what works best in alfalfa fields infested with dodder. I would feel more comfortable with flaming in place rather than mechanically disturbing the area or spraying and giving time for this evil weed to drop more seeds. With flaming, everything goes, including the seeds on plant and dropped on the soil surface.

Two questions;

1. Burn @ what temperature?

2. Would you still use a pre-emergent?

[greendoctor]

A propane weed torch such as a Red Dragon burns at up to 2000+F. I would visibly char the dodder and whatever it is attached to. Then use a preemergent. The more soil mobile DNA herbicides such as trifluralin and pendimethalin seem to work the best. I have not had to deal with dodder in a long time. Might have something to do with how I keep a program of rotating preemergents going in landscape beds at all times.