Spurrey (Spergula arvensis)

***	Spurrey seedling just past ideal time to spray
	Flowering spurrey plant showing the sprawling dense growth habit

Spurrey is an erect or sprawling annual plant that can grow very densely and effect crop establishment. This weed is commonly found in cultivated land, gardens, roadways, bare ground and sand dunes. It is sometimes referred to as Yarr.

Spurrey seeds, which can remain dormant for many years in the soil, germinate in autumn and spring. Plants are fine stemmed and grow up to 30cm tall. Leaves are blunt and needle shaped and develop in whorls of up to 10 leaves growing off each stem node. Stems are sticky and hairy. Mature plants form many white star shaped flowers which only open in fine weather. Flowering is between September and May and dense infestations appear like a sea of white.

Control

Broadcast
Young Pasture
Spurrey is a common weed in young (new) pasture and is not controlled by Select* or MCPB Herbicides. However, the addition of Preside* Herbicide to these products will provide a very high level of control – without damage to young pasture grasses or clovers.

Apply Preside (30g/ha) before the 4th leaf stage. Use Preside at the high rate (50-65g/ha) for larger plants.
The addition of Uptake* Spraying Oil is required with Preside.

Established Pasture
Spurrey is not common in established pasture. Pasture-Kleen* Xtra or Maestro will not provide control. Apply Preside herbicide (65 g/ha) in mixture with Uptake Spraying Oil.

Select MCPB Pasture-Kleen Xtra Maestro and Preside are registered pursuant to the Pesticides Act 1979 No. 5202, 268, 5106 , 262, 4815