Beat Californian thistle and give your sheep the celebrity treatment with our affordable broadleaf weed solutions.
Californian thistle is probably the most invasive broadleaf weed in New Zealand pastures. It is the most economically significant, with reports estimating $700 million in lost pastoral farm revenue each year as a direct result of this weed.
This perennial thistle reduces both pasture production and pasture utilisation. Trials show that 30% ground cover with Californian thistle (13 stems/m2) can cut ewe liveweight gains by 29% over a 12 month period.
Californian thistle also triggers scabby mouth disease, which is highly contagious and cuts liveweight gains even further.
Californian thistles reproduce from an extensive creeping horizontal root system. Shoots grow strongly, supported by a large root system with minimal competition for nutrients and light. They leave over- wintering roots to continue the cycle. This cycle allows Californian thistle to spread rapidly within paddocks.
Californian thistle control strategies
The mow and spray option is the preferred option. When mowing is not an option, a herbicide programme will be the next best solution.
Agritone® 750, Baton® 800WSG, Sprinter® 700DS and Thistrol® Plus are affordable and effective options when dealing with Californian Thistle.
Nufarms 2×2 Plan™
Mow and spray
• Mow when 20–30% of shoots reach the hardball stage from November.
• Boom spray re-growth in January with appropriate herbicide.
• Spray again in March to kill newly-emerged shoots.
• Repeat for the next 1–2 years until thistles are controlled.
Herbicide Programme
• Apply appropriate herbicide via boom spray or weed wiper when thistle shoots are at the early flower bud stage from December – mid January.
• Apply herbicide again in March to kill newly-emerged shoots. Failure to apply this second treatment is the main reason for poor control of Californian thistle.
• Repeat for the next1–2years.
TABLE – AWAITING CLIENT CONFIRMATION
Checklist for successful control
✓ There is no “one-shot” magic bullet for effective control
✓ Multiple applications of selective herbicides, e.g.Baton800WSG each year for at least 2 years is generally required
✓ To control root bud formation, remove above ground thistle growth multiple times between November and April
✓ Renew old pastures using the Programmed Approach™ over a 12–15 month period with three applications of CRUCIAL® and two intermediate crops.
