Docks in Established Grassland

Why Control Docks in Established Grassland?


  • They are the most pernicious and damaging of all grassland weeds
  • More than 15% of productive grassland has a serious dock infestation
  • Grazing losses amount to more than £30 million/year
  • Docks compete with grass for light, nutrients and moisture and thus reduce grass yields
  • Docks have only 65% of the feed value of grass

Docks are unpalatable and, in general, animals will only eat them if there is nothing else available. Excessive quantities of docks in the diet can cause dietary upsets, especially in young animals. When fields become infested with docks, the available grazing is reduced, which then impacts on the planned grazing cycle. Presence of docks in silage can affect fermentation, thus reducing overall quality.

Docks = lower stocking rates and gross margins
= reduced grazing
= reduced quality
= lower performance (milk yield and liveweight gain)

Established docks in permanent pasture can be controlled using Doxstar* or Pastor* herbicides.

Make sure the docks are at the correct growth stage - the rosette stage - in order for them to take in the chemical properly and for it to translocate down into the roots. If they are too big then cut them and treat the regrowth, usually 2-3 weeks later.

rosette

For spot treatment around the farm, to stop docks from spreading their seeds, use Grazon* 90, which will not only kill the docks but nettles and thistles as well.

Doxstar

Contents 100 g/litre fluroxypyr
100 g/litre triclopyr		 Apply at the rosette growth stage, before the docks are 200mm high or across
Pack Size 3.0 litres
Dose Rate 3.0 litres/ha
OR
1.5 litres/ha
followed by
1.5 litres/ha
Water Volume 300-400 l/ha

The weeds must be actively growing.

Leave 2-3 weeks after cutting/grazing to allow sufficient regrowth before spraying. After application allow:

  • 7 day grazing interval before returning stock to treated areas
  • 28 days before mowing for maximum translocation

Pastor

Contents 50 g/litre clopyralid
75 g/litre fluroxypyr
100 g/litre triclopyr		 Apply at the rosette growth stage, before the docks are 200mm high or across
Pack Size 2.0 litres
Dose Rate 4.0 litres/ha
OR
2.0 litres/ha
followed by
2.0 litres/ha
Water volume 300-400 l/ha

The weeds must be actively growing.

Leave 2-3 weeks after cutting/grazing to allow sufficient regrowth before spraying. After application allow:

  • 7 day grazing interval before returning stock to treated areas
  • 28 days before mowing for maximum translocation

Grazon 90

To spot treat docks use Grazon 90.

Contents 240 g/litre triclopyr
60 g/litre clopyralid		 Apply at the rosette growth stage, before the docks are 200mm high or across
Pack Size 1.0 litre
Dose Rate 60ml / 10 litres of water

The weeds must be actively growing.

Keep livestock out of treated areas for at least 7 days and until foliage of any poisonous weeds, such as Ragwort, has died and become unpalatable.

Fields should not be cut or grazed for 28 days following application to allow Grazon 90 to fully translocate into the root system for long term control.
Grazon 90 is rainfast in 2 hours.