Experiments were conducted to test the feasibility of using the Diamond Wet-Blade mower along roadside right-of-ways. The research conducted compared Canada thistle control, herbicide drift, and operational costs of the Wet- Blade versus broadcast spray application using the herbicide aminopyralid. It was determined that there were no differences between the Wet-Blade and broadcast spraying in terms of Canada thistle control. Herbicide treatments conducted in the spring using at least 88 g ha-1 aminopyralid provided greater than 70% control that lasted for two years after treatment. Broadcast spraying produced detectable drift up to 3 m into non-target areas while the Wet- Blade had negligible drift. Operation of the Wet-Blade is approximately 2 times the cost of broadcast application.
