Alfalfa is an effective competitor only after it is established. Seedlings may emerge If a Canada thistle infestation exists in a field that will be rotated to alfalfa, control the weed before seeding alfalfa. Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.] We conducted trials to evaluate weed control options in alfalfa/grass stands in cold-climate areas where the alfalfa goes dormant over the winter. Another way these crops (winter wheat, alfalfa, and perennial forage) help control CT is that they emerge and grow earlier in the season than CT; by the time this weed emerges, it is shaded and out-competed by the crop. In older alfalfa fields, weeds are quick to fill in open spaces when stands decline. is increasing in both frequency and density in Saskatchewan alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed fields.Application of preharvest glyphosate is an effective means of controlling Canada thistle in annual crops. “Perennial weeds are typically the biggest issue with alfalfa, the one that we seem to have the most trouble with is Canada thistle,” said Kevin Gulay, research manager for the organization. I have Canadian Thistle established along a coulee in a hay field that has grass, alfalfa, and sweet clover. Completely out of control, no matter how much pulling I do. and will outcompete seedling alfalfa if the field is planted prior to their control. Current tools available for control are limited because of cultural management strategies associated with seed production. Weeds affect alfalfa stands in different ways during the various stages of alfalfa production: prior to establishment, in the seedling stage, and in established stands. growth. The specific herbicides and control strategies avail-able for use will depend on the type of forage you grow (alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixture, clovers, or other legumes), whether your stand is a new seeding [prior to first cutting] or an established stand, and the crop growth stage (dormant, nondormant, be-tween cutting). Control of Russian thistle can be accomplished manually, by chemicals or by planting crops. THISTLE CONTROL. Introduction Hexazinone is widely used as it is an effective weed control tool in alfalfa seed production. This study was conducted to determine the effects of preharvest glyphosate on Canada thistle control and crop tolerance in alfalfa seed fields. Monroe County, Buckeye Hills EERA . These late winter weeds are relatively easy to control with several post-emergence herbicides. unsatisfactory Canada thistle control (29 to 35%). Raptor 1AS (imazamox) — Raptor may be used for weed control in seedling or established alfalfa. Canada Thistle Biocontrol Agent Can be Collected in Alfalfa. Thistles often invade overused or disturbed land, such as cultivated fields. Perennial grasses harvested for forage also suppressed Canada thistle growth. Bentazon was the only treatment containing a single herbicide that provided more than 50% Canada thistle control. problems. Tillage easily eradicates rosettes established during the preceding summer or fall. Canada Thistle Control: How to Get Rid of Canada Thistle. Its scientific name is Salsola tragus, but it also has been known as Salsola iberica, Salsola kali, and Salsola australis. Canada thistle is one of the most troublesome and difficult weed species to control in established alfalfa grown for seed production. I need to treat about 15 - 20 acres and I'm wondering if there are other options besides spot spraying each plant/small area. Musk thistle, however, can be a problem in fall-planted grains, alfalfa or clover if conditions are … Weed Technol 19 : 1025 – 1029 Miller , TW ( 2016 ) Integrated strategies for management of perennial weeds . Alfalfa growth and management also prevents Canada thistle from producing carbohydrates for survival across time; thus, alfalfa is an alternative to tillage for Canada thistle control. Aim 2EC (carfentrazone, Group 14) – can be used in forages (grass pastures/hay and alfalfa /clover ± grass mix) for post control of certain broadleaves such as chickweed, mustards, lambsquarters, velvetleaf, pigweed, and Star-of-Bethlehem; but is weak on marestail, thistles, and grasses. alfalfa seed yield. Then, spritz the vinegar directly onto the thistle plants until the plants are dripping with vinegar. Plant weed-free seed to help prevent introduction into cropland, and keep field borders thistle-free. Perhaps one of the most noxious weeds in the home garden, Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) has a reputation for being impossible to get rid of.We won’t lie to you, Canada thistle control is difficult and requires a significant amount of effort to be successful, but the effort you put into controlling Canada thistle will pay off when you have a garden that is free from this annoying weed. Mowing can be a helpful means of Russian thistle control if done just as the plant blooms. Alfalfa seed yield was significantly higher following a spring burn at both sites. However, with regard to Canada thistle control, both researchers and producers have had variable success with hexazinone. “The thistle population was struggling to recover and a big increase in total forage productivity was still evident. Pesticide emergency information. Weeds have a large effect on forage quality. Service Fact Sheet 267, S. Aldrich and L. Burrill) Weed Control in Alfalfa Establishment Proper weed control is important in establishing a new stand on alfalfa. When a field is cleared and otherwise prepared for planting, it usually presents an ideal environment for weed WEED CONTROL Field experiments were conducted at Torrington, Powell, Archer, and Sheridan 1985-94 to evaluate factors influencing weed control with Pursuit. Russian thistle, also known as tumbleweed, is in the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae). Typically, this means 1 or 2 sprays per plant. Asked September 3, 2014, 9:28 PM EDT. Weed Control in Hay & Pasture Fields Mark Landefeld OSU Extension Educator . a large effect on forage quality. Weeds affect alfalfa during two distinct periods: stand estab­ It is nearly impossible to control weeds in a thin or weak alfalfa stand. Apply Raptor at 4 to 6 fl oz/A plus adjuvants to small, actively growing weeds and to established alfalfa in the fall or in the spring. Perennial grasses harvested for forage also suppress Canada thistle growth in this way. It can be a profitable crop to grow, but presents a number of challenges, one of which is the control of kochia (Kochia scoparia), which is not effectively controlled with herbicides currently registered for use on seed alfalfa. Controlling common pokeweed. •Control weeds that emerge in fall or late winter before alfalfa greens up in the spring •Control weeds that emerge after cutting or in areas where the alfalfa stand is thin Consequently, management practices need to be implemented prior to flower formation for effective thistle control. Weed control in mixed alfalfa/grass stands is problematic, as the herbicides must be safe to both species. P revention is the best control method for both perennial and biennial thistles. A single thistle plant can produce at least 4,000 seeds, which increases the chance for higher thistle populations in the pasture the following year. This is a rare win-win situation because the greatest thistle control coincided with the grazing system that gave the best production and best utilization of thistle.” Pursuit may be used on established alfalfa-grass mixtures. MUSK THISTLE CONTROL INTRODUCTION Musk thistle is an introduced invasive broadleaf weed native to Europe, Siberia, Asia Minor and North Af- ... building sites, vacant lots, range and pastureland, alfalfa fields and in wheat fallow. Controlling Canada thistle. Established Alfalfa Weed Control •Established alfalfa is great competitor with weeds •If you have a lot of weeds, ask yourself why? Taking time to manage any perennial weeds prior to alfalfa establishment will help prevent reseeding costs or excessive weed control costs in the future. Establishment of a vigorous alfalfa stand is essential for long­term weed control. SELECTIVE CONTROL IN ESTABLISHED TREE CROPS-- Applications of glyphosate ROUNDUP 1 1/2 qt per acre directed underneath foliage and green bark of established trees and over Canada thistle 10 to 18 inches tall should be made in late spring or on fall regrowth. This 4-year field study was initiated to secure data on losses due to com-petition of Canada thistle in an alfalfa pasture and its effect on reducing consumption by grazing animals. thistle control in various cropping systems, no data are available on losses in improved pastures. It is also important to control annual weeds during the establishment stage to re-duce competition. Alfalfa, brome or alfalfa/brome mixtures are able to supply good competition to help control Canada thistle, and continual top growth removal weakens root reserves. Flixweed (Descurainia sophia), an annual mustard, infestation in alfalfa. Canada thistle is one of the most troublesome and difficult weed species to control in established alfalfa grown for seed production. Monitor pastures, areas used by livestock, and roadsides for new populations of milk thistle in May, June and July. Canada Thistle is a creeping perennial and often it … Weed Control News. Early Detection and Prevention Milk thistle is easier to find once it flowers. Whenever possible, control should be done before plants are flowering to prevent seed production. (The following material has been adapted from Controlling Weeds in Alfalfa, Oregon State University Ext. Musk thistle is not a serious weed problem in crops requiring a spring seedbed preparation. 5 Introduction Alfalfa seed is an important niche crop on irrigated land in Southern Alberta. The treatments providing the best balance between Canada thistle control (>80%) and alfalfa injury (<13%) were a single ap- Musk thistle is primarily a biennial or winter annual, relying on seed to reproduce. ... Grasses, especially alfalfa grass, are an easy option for adding competition to a large area. If the thistle plants are young, you can do a good job of managing tumbleweeds by simply pulling the plants up by their roots before they seed. February 12, 2015 Mesbah, AO, Miller, SD (2005) Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) control in established alfalfa (Medicago sativa) grown for seed production. Sencor DF at 0.5- 1.0 lb/A Establishment of a vigorous alfalfa stand is essential for long-term weed control. Controlling hemp dogbane. The Manitoba Forage Seed Association (MFSA) is running herbicide trials with the hopes of providing producers more options for weed control. In older alfalfa fields, weeds are quick to … alfalfa yield and weaken or even destroy the stand, particularly if left unchecked during the seeding period (Table 8.1). Canadian Thistle Control Options in Hay Land. Canada Thistle is a common invasive plant found in a wide range of areas, especially in the upper mid-west of the United States like in Indiana and Wisconsin. Figure 1.