Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:03:22 +1100
From: Dale Tonkinson <dtonkinson@longy.com.au>
I am currently analysing a considerable volume of data gathered recently
on the effect of three herbicides on a variety of bryophytes in
south-eastern Australia. The initial results suggest minimal or no
effect of glyphosate (Roundup) on several species but severe effects on
others (e.g. Campylopus); as to the source of the damage it is as yet
unclear if the 'active' ingredient glyphosate or additives such as
surfactants are responsible. Some research in the US has shown the
most effective treatment for Bryum argenteum on golf greens was household
detergent so the surfactant component of herbicides may well be the
relevant component - it is also this component that varies between
different herbicide formulations based on the same active ingredient and
therefore effects of these different formulations may vary. Further
the shoots of some species are clearly damaged by herbicides however the
colony often regenerates within a few months thus giving the impression
to casual observers of no impact whatsoever. I hope my results can
be made available of the coming months.
Dale Tonkinson
Graduate Student - School of Resource Management and Geography
Melbourne School of Land and Environment, University of Melbourne
Longerenong College, 229 Longerenong Road
Longerenong
3401 Australia
Office: +61 (03) 5362-2245
email: d.tonkinson@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
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