issg Database: Management and Information Links for Melilotus alba

Melilotus alba (herb)

Ecology Distribution Management
Info Impact
Info References
and Links Contacts

         Management Information

Physical:: Hand-pulling Melilotus alba is best done in the fall. In the spring the root crown must be removed when the ground is moist and before it begins to flower. Hand cutting stems just before flowering or on lower stems that dieback before flowering, usually does not resprout. Be sure to cut close to the ground (Cole, 1990). Prescribed burning is also used to contol white sweetclover (Uchytil, 1992). They must be burned in April of the first year which causes the seeds to germinate (Cole, 2006; DiTomaso et al, 2006). After the first burn seed germination is high (Uchytil, 1992) and there is a high density of M. alba (Curtis and Partch, 1948). In May of the second year when the plants are 1-2m high (Uchytil, 1992) they should be burned again which in turn kills emerging shoots before they seed. This procedure should be followed by two years of no burn (Cole, 1990).
Chemical: The herbicide 2, 4-D can be used to spot spray M. Alba. Herbicides are usually used for extremely disturbed sites (Cole,1990).
Biological: No biocontrol options have become available yet (Cole, 1990). Some considerations for biocontrol are the sweetclover weevil which damages the plant (Uchytil, 1992).

         Location Specific Management Information
Colorado
Management and control options: Hand pulling is recommended when the ground is moist in late-fall. Chemical control includes spot application of the herbicide 2, 4-D. Prescribed burning is also recommended (NPWRC, 2006a).
Minnesota
Management and control options: Burn annually about early May (for Minnesota) when second-year shoots are clearly visible (Uchytil, 1992).
Wisconsin
Management and control options: A combination of an April burn followed the next year by a May burn was more successful in reducing white sweetclover than other burning combinations. Heavily infested paririe stands where this burning combination was conducted twice, separated by 2 years without burning, became almost completly free of white sweet clover (Uchytil, 1992).

         Management Resources/Links

1. Alaska Natural Heritage Program (ANHP). 2006. White sweetclover Melilotus alba Medikus.
        Summary: This website gives detailed information about ecological impact and invasive potential of Melilotus alba.
Availble from: http://akweeds.uaa.alaska.edu/pdfs/species_bios_pdfs/Species_bios_MEAL_ed.pdf [Accessed April 23, 2007]
2. Cole, M. 1990. Vegetation Management Guideline: White and Yellow Sweet Clover. Illinois Department of Conservation. 1(23).
        Summary: This ariticle discusses the ecology of white and yellow sweetclover and also discusses ways to manage these plants.
Available from: http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/chf/outreach/VMG/wysclover.html [Accessed April 23, 2007]
3. DiTomaso, J.M., M.L. Brooks. E.B. Allen. R. Minnich, P.M. Rice, G.B. Kyser. Control of Invasive Weeds with Prescribed Burning. Weed Technology. 20: 535-548.
        Summary: This describes how and when to burn different kinds of vegetation.
4. Ekhardt, N. 1987. The Nature Conservancy Element Stewardship Abstract For Melilotus alba, Melilotus officinalis.
        Summary: This website gives full ecology information for Melilotus alba.
Available from: http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/melioff.pdf [Accessed April 23, 2007]
5. Frame, J. Undated. Melilotus albus Medik. syn. Melilotus alba Medik. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
        Summary: This gives an overall description of the plant's ecology and management.
Available from:http://www.fao.org/AG/AGp/agpc/doc/Gbase/DATA/Pf000488.htm [Accessed April 23, 2007]
6. National Park Service (NPS). Undated. White Sweetclover.
        Summary: Gives detailed information on description and management of white sweetclover.
7. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC). 2006a. An assessment of Exotic Plant Species of Rocky Mountain Park.
        Summary: This website provides detailed information on Melilotus alba in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Available from: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/explant/melialba.htm [Accessed April 23, 2007]
8. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC). 2006b. Species Abstracts of Highly Disruptive Exotic Plants at Pipestone National Monument.
        Summary: This website provides detailed information on Melilotus alba in Pipestone National Monument.
Available from: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/explant/melialba.htm [Accessed April 23, 2007]
9. Uchytil, Ronald J. 1992. Melilotus alba. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department ofAgriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory [Producer].
        Summary: This report gives information about the ecology and fire ecology of Melilotus alba.
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/melalb/all.html
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The Global Invasive Species Database is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It was developed as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and is supported through partnerships with the National Biological Information Infrastructure, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and the University of Auckland. Conditions of use.