Laserfiche WebLink
Page 5 of 23 Appendix <br />If a Canada thistle infestation exists in a field that will be rotated to aIfrlfa, control the weed before seeding <br />alfalfa. Alfalfa is an effectiNe competitor only after it is established. It will not adequately establish in a <br />well-developed Canada thistle infestation. A Canada thistle management system can start with crop or grass <br />competition combined with herbicides, with the field rotated to alfalfa when the management plan ends. <br />Musk thistle <br /> <br />Management <br />Cultural control of Musk Thistle <br />Maintaining pastures and rangeland in good condition is a primary factor for musk thistle management. To <br />favor pasture and rangeland grass growth. do not overgnize. Fertilize only when necessary and according to <br />soil testing recommendations. 1'o successfully manage musk thistle, prevent seed formation. <br />Mechanical control of Musk Thistle <br />Musk thistle will not tolerate tillage and can he removed easily by severing its root below ground with a <br />shovel or hoe. Mowing can effectively reduce seed output if plants are cut when the terminal head is in the <br />late -tlo\vcring stage. Gather and hum mowed debris to dcStrOV am. seed that has developed. <br />Chemical Control of Musk Thistle <br />Several herbicides are registered in pasture, rangeland and noncrop areas to control musk thistle. Tordon <br />22K (picloram), Curtail (clopyrahd i 2,4-D). BanveliVanquish Clarity (dicamba), 2,4-D. Or <br />Banvel: Vanquish;('Iarity plus 2,4-D are commonly used. Apply these herbicides in spring Or fall to musk <br />thistle rosettes. <br />Apply Tordon at 0.5 to 1 pint per acre (A). Curtail at 2 quarts/A. Bam el Vanquish Clarity at 0.5 to 2 <br />quarts, A, 2,4-1) at 1.5 to 2 quarts%A, or Banvel Vanquish.Clarity plus 2,4-D at 0.5 plus i quart A. Cool <br />temperatures (below 50 degrees F), particularly in fall, may adversely affect 2,4-D control of musk thistle; <br />therefore, use 2,44D in spring. Tordon is largely unaffected by cool temperatures. Banvel: VanquishrC'1?trity <br />can he adversely affected but less than 2,4-D. Banvelr\'anquish'Clarity plus 2,4-D works well in spring or <br />fall. Apply any of these herhicides before musk thistle halts or seed production till win occur.