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Integrated Weed Management Recommendations <br /> Effective integrated management means using a variety of eradication methods that also includes restoration,prevention <br /> of seed production and dispersal, and monitoring. Maintain robust healthy native landscapes and restore degraded sites. <br /> Avoid soil disturbance.As with most biennials,prevent seed production in the first and second year of musk thistle growth. <br /> Prevent seed from dispersing, such as on contaminated equipment. Rest sites until they are effectively restored. Change <br /> land use practices. Use methods appropriate for the site. <br /> CULTURAL CONTROL METHODS <br /> Musk thistle is not tolerant of competition and needs light to germinate seeds. Cultural <br /> methods should aim to maintain or restore a competitive assemblage of forbs, cool and <br /> .... warm season grasses.Implement whole site restoration of soils,plants and water regimes <br /> where stands of musk thistle exist where needed. Use locally adapted species that are <br /> r R ecologically appropriate for the site to improve competitiveness. Include annual as well <br /> as perennial species. Incorporate soil amendments, soil microbes and mycorrhizal fungi <br /> in restoration and land management efforts. Minimize soil compaction and disturbance, <br /> especially in wetlands and moist soil. Irrigation can increase competitive species. <br /> 7No .E.Rees,USDA M Resesch Servke <br /> BIOLOGICAL CONTROL METHODS <br /> Although horses, cattle, goats and sheep may eat flower heads on a few plants, seeds <br /> 01 pass through their digestive tracks unaltered and spread. The leaf and stalk spines can <br /> cause domestic livestock to avoid mature musk thistle.Thus,musk thistle can become an <br /> "increaser"in over-grazed systems.Properly managed grazing can improve vigor of desired <br /> v species and indireclty reduce musk thistle. Trichosirocalus horridus is the only biological <br /> rn n r' control agent available for musk thistle in Colorado. The other species,Rhinocyllus conicus, <br /> -v-- J is not host specific and will damage native thistles,and therefore cannot be released as an <br /> QQ �- agent in Colorado. For more information,visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture's <br /> � V1 Err_Coc b%ORD�pta[AV't` Palisade Insectary website at www.colorado.pov/ag/biocontrol. <br /> *.'' MECHANICAL CONTROL METHODS <br /> A Methods,such as tilling,hoeing and digging,are best for infestations smaller than 0.5 acres; <br /> weigh this against other plants present,ecology and site condition.Sever roots below the <br /> 1 soil surface during the first year before the plant stores energy, and in the second year <br /> tA <br /> before flower production. Mowing, chopping and deadheading stimulates more flower <br /> ` --An production; these methods require consecutive years of season-long treatments. All <br /> flowerbuds and heads must be collected, bagged, and disposed of or destroyed; seeds <br /> 's:• will mature and germinate if left on the ground. Prescribed fire that results in high soil <br /> V burn severity damage roots and above ground biomass, but is not recommended due to <br /> 9 Mends o(NV Wfdemers St hiNT <br /> impacts on desired plants. Fire generally favors musk thistle germination. <br /> CHEMICAL <br /> NOTE: The following are recommendations for herbicides that can be applied to pastures and rangeland. Rates are <br /> approximate and based on equipment with an output of 30 gal/acre. Follow the label for exact rates.Always read, <br /> understand,and follow the label directions.The herbicide label is the LAW! <br /> HERBICIDE RATE APPLICATION TIMING <br /> minopyralid* 6 oz./acre+0.25% Apply in spring rosette to early bolting growth stages or in fall to rosettes. <br /> (Milestone) v/v non-ionic *Product not permitted for use in the San Luis Valley. <br /> surfactant <br /> Chlorsulfuron** 1-2.6 oz. product/ Apply in spring from rosette through very early flower growth stages. <br /> (Telar) acre+0.25% (Can prevent viable seed formation if applied no later than the first viable <br /> v/v non-ionic flowers begin to open.)**This herbicide has residual soil activity that will <br /> surfactant affect all broadleaf seedlings germinating after application has occurred. <br /> Clopyralid (Transline) 0.67-1.33 pints Apply to rosettes through flower bud stage in spring,or to fall rosettes. <br /> product/acre+ <br /> 0.25%v/v non- <br /> ionic surfactant <br /> Colorado Department of Agriculture-Conservation Services <br /> 305 Interlocken Parkway <br /> Broomfield,CO 80021 <br /> Rev. (303)869-9030 University <br /> ti(i6 www.colorado.gov/ag/weeds <br />