Herbicides for Paterson's Curse and Viper's Bugloss Control

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, check with 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 - or included under off-label provisions - 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

Most herbicides require a wetting agent for best results. Carefully consult the product label for specific directions regarding any 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 some 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.

Boom spray application

Stage of Growth
Herbicide
(active
ingredient)
Example of commercial product (concentration of active ingredient)
Application rate of commercial product
Withholding
period
Comments
Seedling (up to 4 leaf)MCPA/ diflufenicanTigrex®
(250/25 g/L)
1.0 L/ha7 daysConsult with your agronomist for clover and oat tolerance.

Efficacy on larger weeds will be improved by grazing with stock after the 7 day withholding period.
Rosette2,4-D amine (500 g/L)1.8 L - 2.8 L/ha7 daysSpray rosettes or before plants have 10 leaves. Later stages hard to kill.

The use of MCPA is preferred to 2,4-D (amine and ester) in situations where legumes are undersown in the crop.

This product may only be used from 15 April to 15 September unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
Seedlings (2-6 leaf stage)2,4-DBButtress®
(500 g/L)
1 - 3.2 L/ha4 weeksUse lower rates for 2-4 leaf stage.

Do not sow pasture seed for at least 14 days after application.

Consult with your agronomist to determine suitability for use on certain Medic and Clover cultivars.

This product may only be used from 15 April to 15 September unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
Seedling to Rosette2,4-D ester Estercide® Xtra 680
(680 g/L)
800 ml - 1.7 L/ha7 daysDo not sow pasture seed for at least 21 days after application.

Consult with your agronomist to determine suitability for use on certain Medic and Clover cultivars.

This product may only be used from 15 April to 15 September unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
Rosette to early floweringMetsulfuron-methylBrush-Off Brush Controller®
(600 g/L)
15 g/hanilWill damage legumes in pastures.

Always use a non-ionic surfactant in accordance with label.

May not be able to establish clover or other pasture legumes on treated areas for up to 12 months after application
FloweringTiclopyr + *Picloram + AminopyralidGrazon Extra

Ticlopyr
(300 g/L), *Picloram
(100 g/L), Aminopyralid
(8 g/L)
250 ml/
100 L water
3 days - 6 weeks (refer to label)
Seedlings to shooting plantsGlyphosate(540 g/L )1.5 L/ha - 2 L/ha-Use higher rates on weeds over 15cm in height or diameter.

Addition of adjuvant required in accordance with label.

Is not residual therefore may need repeat treatments to control later germinating weeds.
Prior to floweringDicamba(500 g/L)4 L/ha7 daysAddition of adjuvant required in accordance with label.
*Note: picloram remains active in soil for extended periods and may leach into groundwater.

Spot Spraying

Situation
Herbicide (active ingredient)
Commercial product
example
(content of active ingredient)
Application rate of commercial product
Withholding period
Comments
Seedling to rosetteDicamba(200g/L)60 ml/
15 L water
7 daysLower rate on seedlings, higher rate on rosettes
2,4-D esterEstercide® Xtra 680
(680 g/L)
8 ml - 17 ml/ 10 L water7 daysThorough wetting of weed is essential.

Do not sow pasture seed for at least 21 days after application.

Consult with your agronomist to determine suitability for use on certain Medic and Clover cultivars.

This product may only be used from 15 April to 15 September unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
​Rosette2,4-D amine
(500 g/L)18 ml - 28 ml/ 10 L water7 daysSpray rosettes or before plants have 10 leaves. Later stages hard to kill.

Do not sow pasture seed for at least 14 days after application.

The use of MCPA is preferred to 2,4-D (amine and ester) in situations where legumes are undersown in the crop.

Avoid spray or vapour drift reaching crops such as grape vines, tomatoes, vegetables, poppies or flower crops

This product may only be used from 15 April to 15 September unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
FloweringTiclopyr + *Picloram + AminopyralidGrazon Extra

Ticlopyr
(300 g/L), *Picloram
(100 g/L), Aminopyralid
(8 g/L)
25 ml/10 L waternilSpray when flowering.
Seedlings to shooting plantsGlyphosate(540 g/L formulations)50 - 70 ml/
15 L water
Use higher rates on weeds over 15 cm in height or diameter.

Addition of adjuvant required in accordance with label.

Is not residual therefore may need repeat treatments to control later germinating weeds
SulfmeturonOust®
(750 g/kg)
3 - 6 g/
15 L water
Not to be used on pastureAddition of adjuvant required in accordance with label.

Use higher rate for dense infestations or where weeds are greater than 15 cm diameter

May be mixed with glyphosate.
Rosette to early flowering.Metsulfuron-methylBrushkiller 600®
(600 g/L)
Brush-Off Brush Controller®
(600 g/L)
5 g/100 L waternilWill damage legumes in pastures.

Always use a non-ionic surfactant in accordance with label.

May not be able to establish clover or other pasture legumes on treated areas for up to 12 months after application.
FloweringTiclopyr + *Picloram + AminopyralidGrazon Extra

Ticlopyr
(300 g/L), *Picloram
(100 g/L), Aminopyralid
(8 g/L)
25 ml/10 L water3 days - 6 weeks (refer to label)Spray when flowering.
Glufosinate-
ammonium
Basta®
(200 g/L)
45 ml/ 15 LNot to be used on pasture.Thorough coverage of weed is essential for good control.
*Note: picloram remains active in soil for extended periods and may leach into groundwater.

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