Dock (Rumex spp)
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Broad-leaved Dock on the left and curled dock on the right. |
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Fiddle dock |
There are several species of dock that are commonly found in New Zealand pastures and crops. Broad-leaved dock is the most common, however curled dock and fiddle docks are also very prevalent. Most species are found throughout New Zealand and are very abundant around stockyards, cowsheds and damp arable and pasture land.
As the name implies, broad-leaved dock has large broad leaves that grow up to 35cm long and 15cm wide. Fiddle dock has violin shaped leaves whereas curled dock has relatively narrow, crinkled-edged leaves.
All plants have a stout perennial tap root that will re-grow easily if the plant is damaged i.e. after cultivation. Most species have flowering stems that are leafy and erect and can grow up to 1 metre tall. The flowers grow in whorls and are green to red in colour.
Young plants tend to be eaten by sheep but not by cattle or horses.
Control
Best results are achieved when the plants are actively growing - this is usually from October to December.
Spot Spraying in pasture – Tordon PastureBossTM Herbicide
For small scattered infestations of docks, apply Tordon PastureBoss by knapsack or gun&hose.
New Pasture - Broadcast spraying – 2,4-DB Herbicide.
The recommended herbicide for seedling docks in new pasture is 2,4-DB (8L/ha). To maximise control, it is essential to spray seedling docks no bigger than 4 leaves. Note: 2,4-DB will not control dock plants that have re-grown from root chips.
Research (technical) update: addition of PresideTM Herbicide (65g/ha) to 2,4-DB will increase control of seedling docks.
Established pasture
To control dense, widespread infestations of Docks, apply Tordon PastureBoss (2L/ha) as a broadcast treatment. Tordon PastureBoss is completely safe to grasses but clovers will be removed from the sward. Other hard to kill weeds such as Californian thistles, oxeye daisy and buttercups will also be controlled.
Tordon PastureBoss, Preside and 2,4-DB are registered pursuant to the ACVM act 1997 No’s 7321, 179, 4385
