A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
Common Buckthorn
Another plant on the noxious weed list that is becoming an invasive threat is Buckthorn. It forms dense thickets that often cause a reduction in the establishment of tree seedlings in forests.
The bark is grayish brown and becomes coarse in texture as it matures, while the inner bark is yellow in colour with a pinkish to orange heartwood. The twigs have raised patches or lenticels and are usually tipped with a spine for a terminal bud. These spines are soft while alive, but turn to sharp thorns once they have died. In the spring, clusters of two to six yellowish green four-petal flowers begin to emerge from the stems near the base of the leaves. The male and female flowers are found on separate plants. Small black fruits 6mm in diameter are also produced which house three to four seeds.
The leaves are oval in shape, tipped with a point and are green in colour with minute teeth along the edges. The leaves are 2.6 to 6 cm long and are arranged oppositely, or nearly so, along the stem. They can also be readily identified, by observing the three to four pairs of veins that curve upward toward the leaf tip. The leaves and fruits of common buckthorn persist late into fall helping to distinguish it from other species. Birds and mice eat the fruit which acts as a laxative, and unknowingly distributing the seeds, often close by the parent plant to perpetuate the population.
Farmers, landowners and community members must try to detect this species on their properties early in its establishment, avoiding larger more labour intensive control efforts down the road.
Manual/mechanical removal of common buckthorn can be effective; however excessive disturbance to the soil should be avoided which can stimulate buckthorn seeds stored in the soil. Removal techniques involving prescribed burns in the year following manual or mechanical removal, ensure a higher success rate.
It is important when attempting to control common buckthorn to remove the fruit-producing females and follow up by pulling any seedlings that regenerate. Mowing can be an effective means of control if it is continued for two to three consecutive years. Bagging in black plastic bags appears to be effective.
The use of herbicides has met with some success, especially for larger infestations. However, a Letter of Opinion from the district MNR may be required before controlling invasive plants with chemicals.
Coming Events
Sept. 5 to 7 – Mount Forest Fair. For more information, please check the website mountforestagriculturalsociety@hotmail.com or phone 519-323-1659.
Sept. 10 – FarmSmart – ZoneSmart, For more information, please check the website, www.farmsmartconference.com or call 1-877-424-1300.
Sept. 10 to 13 – Arthur Fair. For more information, please check the website www.arthurfallfair.ca or phone 519-848-3820
Sept. 10 to 13 – Cambridge Fair. For more information, please check the website www.thefallfair.com or phone 519-404-3765
Sept. 11 to 13 – Aberfoyle Fair. For more information, please check the website www.aberfoyleagriculturalsociety.com or call 519-265-4815
Sept. 15 to 16 – Wellesley Fair. For more information, please check the website www.wellesleyehfallfair.ca or phone 519-656-2829
Sept. 18 to 20 – Fergus Fair. For more information, please check the website www.fergusfallfair.ca or call 519-856-9621
Sept. 18 to 20 – Harriston-Minto Fair. For more information, please check the website www.harristonmintofair.ca or call 519-338-5566
Sept. 18 to 20 – Shelburne Fair. For more information, please check the website www.shelburnefair.com or call 519-925-0243
Sept. 25 to 27 – Grand Valley Fair. For more information, please check the website www.grandvalleyfallfair.ca or phone 519-942-4088
Save the Date
Sept. 23 – Shakespeare Swine Seminar 2015 “New Practices That Improve Productivity and Profitability”, Shakespeare, Ontario
