Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Field Trials
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation is undertaking a series of IPM field trials to determine the efficacy of alternative methods of weed control. These methods are either sprays based on different plant extracts or various heat applications to the soil. These methods are not harmful to either the animals or the environment. Through these experiments, we hope to gather information which will help us formulate a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management approach towards weeds to reduce chemical usage in our public parks. These field trials are taking place in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan & Queens.
For a complete list of methods and locations, see below.
| Product Name | Method | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Radiant Heat Weeder | Radiant Heat Weeder applies heat through a ceramic disk, not an open flame. Vegetative growth and windborne seeds are killed or suppressed. | P.O. Serrano Playground |
| Sunburst heat deck applicator | Sunburst system applies heat in a combination of methods contained under a closed steel deck. Vegetative growth and windborne seeds are killed or suppressed | Castle Hill Park |
| Product Name | Method | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Matran | Spray application based on clove oil – has a strong odor. Kills or suppresses weeds by destroying green foliage. | Ocean Parkway, Flatbush |
| Prospect Park, Ocean Ave. near Empire | ||
| Scythe | Spray application based on pelargonic acid – smells like geranium. Kills or supresses weeds by destroying green foliage | Prospect Park, Ocean Ave. near Empire |
| Bartel Pritchard Circle | ||
| Red Hook Rec Center | ||
| Bush-Clinton Garden | ||
| Shore Road Garden Council site |
| Product Name | Method | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Scythe | Spray application based on pelargonic acid – smells like geranium. Kills or supresses weeds by destroying green foliage | Houston Street malls, from FDR Drive going 10 blocks west |
| Nature's Avenger | Spray application based on citric acid. Kills or suppresses weeds by destroying green foliage. |
| Product Name | Method | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Scythe | Spray application based on pelargonic acid – smells like geranium. Kills or supresses weeds by destroying green foliage | Parking lot at Beach 94–95 |