Plot data for flupropanate treatment of African lovegrass

Context. Managing widespread invasive plants to support biodiversity conservation is a significant challenge that requires weed control methods that have lesser impacts on co-occurring native species than ongoing weed invasion. African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is a perennial grass invasive in many regions globally. There is a lack of effective control options, particularly in diverse native vegetation where application of broad-spectrum herbicide has risks of unacceptable off-target impacts. Aims. We tested the effectiveness of flupropanate (sodium 2,2,3,3-tetra-fluoropropionate) in controlling African lovegrass in a conservation context in Mediterranean-climate south-western Australia, testing two application rates and measuring target and off-target impact. Methods. Cover of plant species and their condition (alive or dead) was measured in replicate plots in a ‘before-after-control-impact’ design. Key results. Flupropanate significantly reduced African lovegrass cover, with greater reduction at the higher application rate. No significant off-target effects could be detected at a community or plant functional group level. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate that flupropanate is effective in controlling African lovegrass in conservation settings in south-western Australia. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the use of flupropanate for invasive grass management. Implications. Possible off-target impacts on a single species in this study, and stronger evidence from other sources, suggests that robust testing of the susceptibility of conservation-listed flora to flupropanate should precede application in their habitat.