Herbicides for Variegated Thistle 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, 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.

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 360g/L, Glyphosate 450g/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
Seedlings (up to 2 leaf stage)MCPA/diflufencianTigrex ®
(250 g/L MCPA +25 g/L diflufencian)
1 L/ha
7 days
Consult with your agronomist if spraying in clovers or oats.
Seedlings
(up to 4 leaf stage)
Bromoxynil/
diflufenican
Jaguar ® (250g/L Bromoxynil+
25 g/L diflufenican)
1.1 L/ha
14 days
Use for newly sown and established pastures.

Application is recommended prior to the 8th trifoliate leaf stage in clovers and lucerne.
Seedlings and medium sized rosettesMCPA amine (500 g/L)1.5 L/ha
7 days
Do not spray before pasture is 75 mm tall.

The use of MCPA is preferred to 2,4-D (amine and ester) in situations where legumes are undersown in the crop.
Agritone® 750
(750 g/L)
960m L/ha
7 days
Rosette

2, 4-D amine Amicide® 625
(625 g/L)
1.4 L/ha
7 days
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 Sept unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
2, 4-D ester Estercide® Xtra 680
(680 g/L)
800ml - 3.3 L/ha
7 days



Use when thistles have started to shoot and become more resistant to other herbicides.

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

Can cause stock poisoning.

This product may only be used from 15 April to 15 Sept unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
Rosettes and shooting plantsClopyralidLontrel® 750 SG (750 g/L)20 or 28 g/ha + 1 - 1.5 L/ha MCPA amine (500 g/L)
7 days
Use higher rates on multicrowned plants or large rosettes.

Treat rosette stage prior to stem elongation.

Spraying may be done any time during active growth, usually early winter to spring.

Clovers and medics will be eliminated for at least 12 months.
Seedling - young rosetteMCPA + DicambaKamba® M
(340 g/L MCPA+ 80 g/L Dicamba)
2.8 - 4.0 L/ha
7 days
Use higher rate on larger weeds.

Spot Spray Application

Stage of growth
Herbicide
(active ingredient)
Commercial product (concentration of active ingredient)
Application rate of commercial product
Withholding Period
Comments
Seedlings and medium sized rosettesMCPA amine(500 g/L) 15 ml/10L water
7 days
The use of MCPA is preferred to 2,4-D (amine and ester) in situations where legumes are undersown.
Agritone® 750 (750 g/L)13 ml/10 L water
Rosettes2,4-D amineAmicide® 625
(625 g/L)
14 ml/ 10 L water
7 days
The use of MCPA is preferred to 2,4-D (amine and ester) in situations where legumes are undersown.

This product may only be used from 15 April to 15 Sept unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
2,4-D esterEstercide® Xtra 680

(680 g/L)
8m L/10 L water
7 days



Use when thistles have started to shoot and become more resistant to other herbicides.

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

Can cause stock poisoning.

This product may only be used from 15 April to 15 Sept unless permitted by the Registrar of Chemical Products, DPIPWE.
Up to early bud stageMCPA/dicambaKamba® M
(340 g/L MCPA+ 80 g/L dicamba)
60 ml/15 L water
7 days
Use up to the early bud stage.
All Stages - while plant actively growingGlyphosate (360 g/L)


Roundup PowerMAX®
(540g/L)
75-100 ml/15 L water


50-70 mL/15 L water
Nil
Apply higher rates to plants over 15cm tall.

Non-selective and will damage or kill trees and grasses that come into contact with spray drift.

Stock should be excluded for at least seven days to allow for good control.

Addition of surfactant required. See label for details.
Roundup®
Biactive™
(360 g/L)
75 - 100 mL/15 L waterNon-selective and will damage or kill trees and grasses that come into contact with spray drift.

Suitable for use near waterways.
Early floweringClopyralidLontrel® 750 SG
(750 g/L)
1 ml/L water
Up to 28 days
Can be used on early flowering plants to reduce formation of viable seed.

Clovers and medics will be eliminated for at least 12 months.

Important Disclaimer
To the extent permitted by law, the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (including its employees and consultants) excludes all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly from using information or material (in part or in whole) contained on this website.