Ulex europaeus: Update on the presence and control in the eastern region of Uruguay

Abstract

Ulex europaeus is an invasive exotic species that is reported in Uruguay associated with forest crops and grasslands in the eastern region of the country. With the objective of updating the records of its presence, and characterizing the environmental conditions where it is reported and the control measures applied, in 2019, livestock and forestry producers from the Eastern region were surveyed. In parallel, a survey was carried out with the "snowball" method to collect more sites with the presence of gorse. New reports account for 38 sites in the region. The invader was reported mainly in rocky lands, high areas and on wire fences. The controls most used by the producers were chemical control and grazing, while they considered the mechanical and chemical combination as the most effective. The greatest difficulty they pose to carrying out controls is the economic cost. Likewise, the lack of coordination between neighbors is a limitation to achieve results in the controls carried out. Most of the respondents do not perform preventive controls. The respondents indicate that reductions in sheep stock have been one of the causes for the presence of gorse in the region. The problem caused by Ulex europaeus must be addressed through the application of an integrated weed control in a coordinated and continuous manner by the different members of the society involved, and also communicate the results to sensitize the community.

Keywords

• gorse control
• forestry
• grasslands
• invasive species