Redroot

	Redroot seedling at ideal time to spray
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	Young redroot plant showing newly emerging laterals
	Mature redroot plants showing seedheads

Redroot is the name given to a group of 3 closely related Amaranthus species:

• Amaranthus hybridus
• Amaranthus powellii
• Amaranthus retroflexus.

A fourth species that is similar to redroot is Amaranthus viridis – purple amaranth

Also commonly referred to as “Amaranthus”, these weeds are widely spread throughout New Zealand, and get their name from the reddish colour towards the base of the plant and tap root. They are commonly found in arable crops and can grow up to 1 metre high. All 4 species are summer growing annuals that normally flower between December and February. Flowers are small and spikey and have many short laterals. Seedheads are commonly up to 200mm long and droop downwards from stems. Main stems form numerous short leafy laterals. Leaves are variable in size, oval shaped and usually green, although they turn red in autumn.

Control
Broadcast
There are a number of options for the control of this weed in pasture and other situations.

New Pasture
Select* and MCPB Herbicides will provide excellent control without injury to new grass and clover.

Select – 3-4L/ha at the seedling stage, useful suppression at later stages.
MCPB – 4L/ha but must be treated at the seedling stage.

Established Pasture
Maestro* and Pasture-Kleen* Xtra Herbicides can be used. Some temporary suppression of clover may occur.
Pasture-Kleen Xtra – 0.75 L/ha for seedlings or 1.5 L/ha for small plants
Maestro – 1.5L/ha on actively growing weeds at the 4-6 leaf stage.

Spot Spraying
Tordon* Brushkiller XT or T-MAX can be used as a spot spray to control this weed in pasture, established turf and waste areas. Clover will be temporarily removed form the sward.

Fodder Brassicas
In fodder brassica crops, Radiate* herbicide provides good suppression of this yield suppressing weed without damaging your crop.


Select, MCPB, Pasture-kleen Xtra, Maestro, Tordon Brushkiller, T-MAX and Radiate are registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 Nos. P5202, P268, P7316, P3737, P 7231 and P4767.