Where docks are a problem in silage swards, there are huge advantages to controlling them before the silage is cut, according to Chris Maughan, technical manager with Whelehan Crop Protection.

“Docks can devastate silage and grass swards. Even a moderate infestation will cut silage dry matter yield by at least 1t/ac and severe infestations can cut yields by up to half,” Chris said.

When it comes to choosing the most effective herbicide, Doxstar Pro is a highly effective product for controlling docks – especially in silage and grass swards.

Manufactured by Corteva Agriscience, Doxstar Pro contains two powerful chemicals, triclopyr and fluroxypyr, ensuring the most effective kill of the dock root system.

The roots can be up to a metre deep and a single mature dock produces up to 80,000 seeds. The seeds remain dormant in the soil for years and germinate when conditions are suitable.

“Doxstar Pro is effective on both broadleaf docks and narrow curly leaf docks. It is also highly effective on dandelions and chickweed,” he added.

The importance of timing

Chris stressed that timing of the spray is extremely important to ensure effective control of docks with Doxstar Pro.

“The ideal time to spray silage swards is two to four weeks after nitrogen is applied when docks are at the perfect stage for an effective kill,” he said.

“The docks should then be actively growing and be 15-25cm high or across and before a seed head begins to appear. 

“Wait a minimum of three weeks after Doxstar Pro is applied before cutting the silage. This ensures that the chemicals get fully translocated down to the root system, a vital factor in achieving long-term control.”

Silage crops that were closed in recent weeks and are targeted for cutting from mid-May onwards should soon be approaching the ideal stage for treatment with Doxstar Pro.

“Killing the docks before silage is cut ensures higher yields and quality of silage as well as a clean sward for grazing or a second cut of silage.

“If docks are allowed to get too advanced for a pre-harvest application of Doxstar Pro it is best to wait until the silage has been cut and spray after about three weeks re-growth, when the docks should be at the ideal stage for an effective kill.

“While this method will involve forfeiting yield and quality of silage, it will ensure more effective long-term control of docks in the sward,” added Chris.

Why choose Doxstar Pro?

  • Contains two powerful chemicals, triclopyr and fluroxypyr;
  • Powerful on docks and also highly effective on chickweed and dandelions;
  • Apply at a rate of 2L/ha as a single application or two applications of 1L/ha six to 12 months apart;
  • Best results are achieved when docks are actively growing, are 15-25cm high or across and before a seed head appears;
  • Leave at least three weeks between spraying and silage harvesting;
  • Use a minimum of 300L water/ha (30gals/ac);
  • When using low drift nozzles, e.g. guardian air nozzles, water volume can be reduced to 200L/ha.
Forefront T has become the product of choice for a growing number of farmers to control weeds in grazing pastures

Forefront T – the ideal herbicide for grazing pastures

When it comes to choosing the perfect broad spectrum weed killer for grazing pastures Forefront T is the ideal solution.  

It contains two chemicals: Aminopyralid and triclopyr.

“This powerful combination makes Forefront T the perfect choice for docks, thistles and nettles as well as a range of other weeds such as buttercups, chickweed and dandelions,” said Chris.

Docks should be 15-25cm high or across and before a seed head begins to show. Thistles should have four to 10 leaves and be 15-25cm high and nettles should be sprayed before flowering.

Chris explained: “If weeds are gone beyond these stages, it is best to top them and spray with Forefront T after about three weeks regrowth when they are at the right stage for an effective kill.”

Apply Forefront T as a single application at 2L/ha in a minimum of 200L water/ha. Keep stock off the pasture for seven days after spraying.

Perfect for ragwort

Forefront T is also the perfect herbicide for controlling ragwort, which can be lethal to livestock.

“While topping or cutting can reduce the spread, it can ultimately lead to vigorous regrowth, thereby extending the problem. Spraying with Forefront T is the best route to effective control,” advised Chris.

“Apply Forefront T when the ragwort is at the rosette stage and during a period of active growth with warm temperatures (above 10°). Animals should be kept off pasture until the ragwort has completely disappeared,” he added.

This can normally take around three weeks but when the plant starts to produce a stem it could take up to eight weeks for it to die. In this situation, spraying in late-autumn when pastures are being closed for the winter can work very well.

Grazon Pro is fast acting and offers high levels of long-term broad control to fences and ditches

Spot treatment with Grazon Pro

Grazon Pro is a broad spectrum herbicide, proven highly successful on grassland weeds and has been tried and tested over the last number of years by Irish farmers. It’s the ideal spot treatment for a wide range of difficult to control weeds where safety to grass is important.

“Grazon Pro is fast acting, offers high levels of long-term control and is excellent value for money. As well as nettles, thistles, docks and briars, it is also highly effective on buttercups, gorse, cow parsley and buck thistles,” said Chris.

Grazon Pro should be applied at a rate of 60ml in 10L of water using a conventional knapsack sprayer, a quadbike sprayer or a suitable lance on a tractor mounted sprayer. 

“It is one of very few products with a label which fully endorses the use of handheld application equipment. It comes in a 1L pack and this pack contains enough to treat 11x15L knapsacks,” added Chris.

Timing is also important when applying Grazon Pro, advised Chris.

“While weeds are more difficult to kill when they are in flower, Grazon Pro still has good activity on large weeds – however it may take longer to kill them,” he said.

For best control the weeds should be sprayed before the flowering stage and it is advised to keep animals off treated areas for a minimum of seven days after application.

For more information on the wide range of grassland weed solutions from Whelehan Crop Protection, click here.