Ireland’s only currently available clover-safe herbicide active for reseeds, 2,4-DB, is set to be withdrawn from the market in October 2020. 2,4-DB is a key chemical active found in herbicides suitable for grassland which have been reseeded with a grass and clover mix.
Ireland’s only currently available clover-safe herbicide active for reseeds, 2,4-DB, is set to be withdrawn from the market in October 2020.
2,4-DB is a key chemical active found in herbicides suitable for grassland which have been reseeded with a grass and clover mix.
Some of the well-known brand names which contain 2,4-DB are Underclear, Legumex DB, Clovermax, Undersown and Headland Spruce.
Clover is poised to grow in importance in grassland due to its nitrogen fixing properties and high feeding values.
However, the decision to withdraw support for the re-registration of the active on the European market will dramatically reduce clover-safe herbicide options available for weed control on ground reseeded w
Farmers will be able to purchase herbicides containing 2,4-DB until October 31 2020. Use of these will not be permitted after October 31 2021.
Reseed weed control
Applying a herbicide on to grassland six to eight weeks after reseeding is the most cost-effective spray a farmer can use on that field.
Effective control of challenging grassland weeds such as docks, thistles and chickweed is much easier when these weeds are seedlings.
However, there will be virtually no suitable alternative clover-safe herbicide for reseeded grassland once 2,4-DB leaves the market.
This means that farmers will be forced to broadcast or stitch clover into an established grassland after using a non-clover safe herbicide.
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Getting clever with clover
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