Introduction:
Crab's eye (Abrus precatorius) Weed.
Abrus precatorius a legume, is a nitrogen fixer and where present in large stands can alter soil nutrient status. It is also suspected to have allelopathic effects that could alter native species recruitment.
Occurs in:
Agricultural areas, natural forests, range/grasslands, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands.
General impacts:
In Florida Abrus precatorius a nitrogen fixer, is reported to alter soil nutrient status where present in large stands. It is also suspected to have allelopathic effects that could alter native species recruitment.
A study on the impacts of smoke on the germination of seeds found that A. precatorius was among three species that showed significant positive germination percentages after exposure to smoke. It bserve that the high germination success of A. precatorius without exposure to smoke and even higher germination success when exposed to smoke is of concern as it could contribute to the spread of these species.
Uses:
Abrus precatorius seeds are used as beads; A. precatorius is used in folk medicine.
Geographical range:
Native range: Africa; temperate and tropical Asia; Australasia; Pacific
Known introduced range: naturalized in the Neotropics.
Distribution Map:
Crab's eye (Abrus precatorius) Distribution in North America shown in green.
Local dispersal methods:
Consumption/excretion: Seed, spread by birds.
Management information:
Close up of Crab's eye (Abrus precatorius) Weed.
Physical: Small plants can be dug and pulled out.
Chemical: Abrus precatorius is probably sensitive to foliar sprays of triclopyr; good control has been observed with triclopyr ester at 10% in oil applied to basal bark or cut surface and with triclopyr amine at 50% in water applied to cut surface.
A user guide developed by Kline and Duquesnel (1996) based on the experiences of practitioners involved in the control of exotic species recommends the following treatment for the control of Crab’s eye (Abrus precatorius)
Method: Basal; Herbicide: Garlon 4; Concentration: 10%; Effectiveness: Good;
Method: Cut; Herbicide: Garlon 4; Concentration: 10%; Effectiveness: Good;
Method: Cut; Herbicide: Garlon 3A; Concentration: 50%; Effectiveness: Good
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