With a range of options for weed control in grassland, Dow AgroSciences has developed a virtual and interactive farm called 'Grass Bites Farm' - see it at: www.grassbites.co.uk
It's a more visual way to look at a whole range of weed problems across a typical grassland farm. It then identifies the best way to tackle challenging weeds, such as docks and thistles.
Grass Bites Farm represents a typical mixed livestock unit with grazing pastures, silage fields, reseeded leys, pony paddocks, maize fields and species - rich meadows.
Each has its own weed challenge. By clicking on a particular field, farmers can review the most appropriate solutions with guidance on optimal timing and growth stages for best long-term control.
"Product choice depends on the weeds present, how the grass will be utilized (forage or grazing) and the overall level of weed control sought," says Robin Bentley, grassland herbicides product manager for Dow AgroSciences. "Grass Bites Farm will help visitors to quickly find an answer to weed problems in their pastures, and remind them of key grassland management issues."
Welcome to Grass Bites Farm
1.Dock control on silage ground Solution: Doxstar gives effective, lasting control of all types of dock. Best applied when weeds are actively growing at the correct growth stage. The grass will also be growing, so it is avisable to avoid products using older chemistry, eg CMPP and dicamba, that may hold back grass growth before the important first cut.
2. Thistle control in grazing pastures
Solution: Thistlex gives long-lasting control because it is translocated deep into the growing plant's root system. For best results, target thistles from the rosette stage up to 6cm in diameter. If they start to develop stems consider topping and spraying re-growth six to eight weeks later.
3. Weed control in flower-rich meadows and wildlife margins
Solution: Grazon 90 can be applied as a spot treatment through a knapsack sprayer. It gives good control of docks, nettles and thistles, and scrub weeds such as gorse and bramble.
4. Weed control in pony paddocks
Solution: Grazon 90 is ideal for controlling all major grassland weeds where an overall application is not justified. Very fast acting, it is good for spot treating docks, nettles and thistles. It can also take out tough scrub weeds such as gorse, bramble and broom.
5. Weed control in new-sown leys
Solution: Pastor gives excellent control of chickweed, mayweed, fat hen and seedling docks in new sown leys, giving re-seeds the best possible start to a long and productive life.
6. Dock control in grazing pastures
Solution: Doxstar will achieve long-term control of all species of docks on established grassland. After grazing, allow weeds to re-grow for two to three weeks before treatment.
7. Weed control in maize
Solutions: Starane 2 to combat nightshade, knotgrass, chickweed, cleavers, forget-me-not, fumitory, hemp nettle and red dead nettle. For sow thistles, creeping thistles, groundsel and mayweeds, use Dow Shield.
8. Dock, thistle and nettle control in grazing pastures
Solution: Pastor is a one product solution for the three major grassland weeds. It can be applied at any time of year, provided weeds are actively growing, at the correct growth stage, and not suffering from stress due to cold or drought.
