Ragweed control

Ragweed: problems and solution

Ragweed (Ambrosia Artemisiifolia L) is an annual herbaceous plant: the leaves are dark green and the stems are covered with white hairs. Its wind-dispersed pollen causes respiratory allergies. Every year, in the most affected regions, one Quebecer out of six is affected by symptoms caused by ragweed allergy. Ragweed is widespread in southern Quebec and in the St. Lawrence Valley.

It is important to know that there is a natural and effective control method that limit the abundance of ragweed and as such, limit the effects of its pollen on health. Amongst the beneficial effects of the control are a decrease of allergy risks and a reduction of the seed reservoir available in the ground year after year. 

In 2009, G.D.G. Environment, in partnership with CTM, used for the first time Ragweed Off, an environmentally-friendly product recently registered, for the control of this plant. The effectiveness of this product has been remarkable since its first applications. GDG’s expertise, coupled with CTM's, which has been working in this particular field for several years, is a major asset in ragweed control. Since the addition of this service, we are treating more than 3,000 linear km per year. GDG has mandates all over Quebec and serves several Ministry of Transportation service centers, and municipalities.

The effect of the product on the plants is a general wilting of the foliage a few hours after application, followed by a complete drying of the plant a few days after our intervention.

Photo 1. Plant before treatment	Photo 2. Plant after treatment

Services offered:

• Integrated implementation of ragweed control
• Ragweed characterization and cartography on your territory
• Field study for a possible ragweed control
• Turnkey control program
• Product sale

Poison ivy control

Poison ivy: problems and solution

 

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) can be found everywhere in Quebec, in thick populations, at the edge of woodland areas, on uncultivated lands and along roads and streams. The leaves are reddish when they emerge in the spring, then turns dark green in summer. In autumn, they turn yellow, red or orange and their size varies according to the environment where they grow.

Poison ivy causes a painful inflammation of the skin, called Rhus dermatitis. The symptoms usually appear 24 to 48 hours after contact with the plant. Affected parts develop blisters which are accompanied by severe itching. Symptoms usually disappear after 7 to 10 days.

G.D.G. Environment has the ultimate weapon to control poison ivy with Ragweed Off. The concentration and spraying technique are different from the one used for ragweed control, but allow significant reduction of the infestation (about 2 to 3 years after the start of applications). G.D.G. Environment innovates in the niche of vegetation control with the combination of an environment-friendly approach while offering, for the control of a highly invasive plant, a product that has a low impact on the environment.

 

Photo 1. Plant before treatment	Photo 2. Plant after treatment

Services offered :

• Integrated implementation of poison ivy control
• Poison ivy characterization and cartography on your territory
• Field study for a possible poison ivy control
• Turnkey control program
• Product sale