Blackberry
| Botanical Name | Rubus fruticosus agg. |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Origin | Northern Temperate |
Identification
Scrambling, extremely thorny shrub, semi-erect with stems arching and entangled sometimes semi-prostrate or almost erect. Suckering (running) plants. Flowers Nov-Apr-(May), fruits Nov to May. Blackberry has been divided into many species and many more varieties, which are extremely variable.Habitats
Open areas, wasteland, areas where there has been settlement or significant disturbance of native flora. Roadsides, hedgerows, farmland, scrub, forest margins and clearings, riverbeds, gardens, embankments, swamps. Widespread and very common.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Can dominate native flora in swamps. Otherwise cosmetic nuisance only.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Suckering. Seed dispersed by birds and floodwaters.Management
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Management |
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| Physical Control |
Cutting, slashing and burning-off treatment is recommended and these operations should be carried out whenever canes are brittle enough. Intensive stocking (sheep or goats) and over-sowing/replanting of treated area will minimise the amount of regrowth. |
| Disposal |
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| Chemical Control |
(i) Metsulfuron + Penetrant. Apply November to June (for best results apply January to June). Rate - Handgun 20-35 g Metsulfuron + 100 ml Penetrant/100 litres water. Knapsack 5 g Metsulfuron + 10 ml Penetrant/10 litres water. Mistblower 10 g Escort + 10 mls Pulse/10 litres water. (ii) Glyphosate + Penetrant. Only bushes with a well developed canopy of leaves unaffected by drought stress should be treated. Some regrowth can be expected within 1-2 years. Rate - Handgun 1-1.5 litres Glyphosate + 200 mls Penetrant/100 litres water. Knapsack 100-150 mls Glyphosate + 20 ml Penetrant/10 litres water. (iii) Tordon 2G. Spot application herbicide; especially good in areas where spray treatment is impractical. Apply granules over top of bush extending out 300 cm from drip line. Apply any time of year apart from 2-3 month late autumn/winter period. Ensure there is enough moisture to move Tordon 2G into soil. This herbicide has a long residual life in soil. Rate - 55 g Tordon per m2. (iv) Triclopyr. Apply from late spring until early autumn when bushes are under active growth. Remove canes the following spring and treat regrowth. Rate - Handgun 500 ml Triclopyr/100 litres water. Knapsack 6 ml Triclopyr/1 litre water. (v) Tordon Brushkiller. Apply late spring till early autumn. Rate - Handgun 500 ml Tordon/100 litres water. Knapsack 6 ml Tordon/1 litre water. |
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Biological Control |
Blackberry rust (Phragmidium violaceum) which is a native of Europe was first noticed in New Zealand in 1990.It is believed to have blown over from Australia where it was illegally released in 1984. |
| Recommended Approach |
Chemical control is usually the best means in urban or industrial areas. In rural and pastoral areas the above chemicals can be used but sound management techniques must be followed to minimise regrowth patterns. |
Further Comment
This plant is prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution within New Zealand!