See the right and wrong stages for spraying docks at Grassland UK

UK - March 30, 2009

Treating weeds at the right growth stage can boost grass dry matter yields by as much as 2.5t/ha, says herbicide manufacturer Dow AgroSciences – one of the main sponsors of Grassland UK.

This figure is based on trials carried out by IBERS (formerly IGER) using Dow’s Doxstar (triclopyr + fluroxypyr).

“Treating dock-ridden leys four weeks before silaging, or between first and second cut, will significantly increase the amount of grass that ends up in the clamp,” says Dow’s grassland weed specialist Duncan Connabeer.

“It will also increase silage quality. Docks only have 65% of the feed value of grass and pull down the dry matter content of resulting forage – another good reason for getting rid of them.

“This spring there are no aminopyralid products, such as Forefront, on sale, and older products such as CMPP have had their registration for use on grass revoked. However, Doxstar offers a tried, tested and effective alternative.” 

Mr Connabeer’s advice is to spray when the docks are young and actively growing, with four or five healthy leaves.

“On our stand (number 1) at Grassland UK, farmers can see examples of live weeds at the right and wrong growth stages for treatment.”