Herbicides for Heather Control

Disclaimer

These herbicide recommendations are made subject to the product being registered for that purpose under relevant legislation. It is the user's responsibility to check that registration or an off-label permit covers the proposed use. Always read the herbicide label.

If in doubt, visit the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) website at www.apvma.gov.au.

Only herbicides registered for use in pasture and non-cropping situations are listed in the following table. For recommendations in specific crops consult an agronomist.

Care must be taken in using herbicides as non-target plants contacted may be harmed.

Wetting agents

Carefully consult the product label for specific directions regarding the use of wetting agents or adjuvants.

Waterways and wetlands

Be careful! Many herbicides can cause damage to waterways and wetlands. Check the herbicide label directions carefully before use near waterways and wetlands. For more information see Guidelines for Safe and Effective Herbicide Use Near Waterways.

Herbicide brands and concentrations

Herbicides are referred to by the active chemical ingredient in the following table. The product trade names in this publication are supplied on the understanding that no preference between equivalent products is intended and that the inclusion of a product does not imply endorsement by DPIPWE over any other equivalent product from another manufacturer. Information on available brands containing the herbicide you require should be obtained from a reputable herbicide supplier or the APVMA website at www.apvma.gov.au.

There may be a number of products with the same active ingredient but with alternate formulations (concentration) registered for control of a weed eg: Glyphosate 360 g/L, Glyphosate 450 g/L may be registered for use on the same weed. Alternate formulations such as these will have a different application rate. Always check the label.

Spot spray application

Stage of Growth	Herbicide (active ingredient)	Example of commercial product (concentration of active ingredient)	Application rate of commercial product	Withholding period	Comments
While actively growing	*Glyphosate	Round-Up Biactive®, Weedmaster Duo® (360 g/L)	100 - 130 ml/10 L	nil	In accordance with APVMA Permit PER84775. Suitable for use near waterways. Non-selective and will damage or kill trees and grasses that come into contact with spray.
	*Triclopyr+ **Picloram	Grass-up™ (300 g/L + 100 g/L)	35 - 50 ml/ 10 L	nil	In accordance with APVMA Permit PER84775. Will not affect grasses, will severely damage clovers and other broadleaved plants, including surrounding trees, if contacted by the spray. Soil-residual, hindering the re-establishment of clovers and other broadleaved plants for 6-12 months.
	*Triclopyr	Garlon® 600 (600 g/L)	17 ml/ 10 L	nil	In accordance with APVMA Permit PER84775. Thoroughly spray foliage. Less volatile and preferred to triclopyr+picloram** in urban or horticultural areas. Will not affect grasses, will severely damage clovers and other broadleaved plants, including surrounding trees, if contacted by the spray.
	*Metsulfuron- methyl	Brushoff® (600 g/Kg)	0.1-0.15 g/L	nil	In accordance with APVMA Permit PER84775. Will not affect grasses, will severely damage clovers and other broadleaved plants, including surrounding trees, if contacted by the spray. Soil-residual, hindering the re-establishment of clovers and other broadleaved plants for 6-12 months.

**Note: picloram remains active in soil for extended periods and may leach into groundwater.

Basal bark and cut stump application

Stage of Growth	Herbicide (active ingredient)	Example of commercial product (concentration of active ingredient)	Application rate of commercial product	Withholding period	Comments
While actively growing	*Glyphosate	Round-Up Biactive®, Weedmaster Duo® (360 g/L)	Undiluted to 1:5 with water	nil	In accordance with APVMA Permit PER84775. Cut and paint: Make the cuts as close to the ground as possible, particularly if there is a risk of tripping or other damage occurring post-treatment. Apply immediately (within 15 seconds) after cut. Scraping some of the bark on the remaining stump may improve the effectiveness of this technique
			2 ml per hole/cut		In accordance with APVMA Permit PER84775. Drill and fill is useful for very large plants with thick stems. Drill holes into crown at 10 cm intervals. Drill holes on an angle so that the herbicide does not drain out. Keep the holes clean of soil, as any mixing with soil will reduce the effectiveness of the herbicide. It is not necessary to plug the hole.
	**Picloram	Vigilant®- Herbicide Gel (43 g/kg)	3-5 mm thick	nil	Cut Stump: Cut stems 20mm above ground level, immediately apply gel over cut surface. For multi-stemmed plants treat at least 80 percent of stems including all main stems.
	*Triclopyr	Triclopyr 600®, Garlon 600® (600 g/L)	1:60 of diesel	nil	In accordance with APVMA Permit PER84775. Cut and paint: apply to cut stump. Apply immediately (within 15 seconds) after cut.

*These products are not registered for this use in Tasmania and will not be mentioned on product labels, however Permit Number - PER84775 issued by the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority allows this specific use. If using this method and herbicide you will require a copy of this off-label permit.