There are huge advantages in applying DoxstarPro before cutting crops. As well as boosting yields and quality, it also ensures a clean, productive sward for a second cut of silage or grazing.
Even a moderate infestation of docks will cut dry matter yield by at least a one tonne per acre and significantly impair quality. Where baled silage is being made, the dock stems play havoc with the film, resulting in substantial wastage.
Containing two powerful chemicals, triclopyr and fluroxypyr, DoxstarPro is the ideal product for docks. It ensures the most effective kill of the dock root system which can be up to a one metre deep. It is effective on both the broadleaf dock and the narrow curly-leaf dock. It is also highly effective on dandelions and chickweed.
Timing
The ideal time to spray is two to four weeks after nitrogen is applied when docks are at the perfect stage for an effective kill.
Best results are achieved when docks are actively growing, are 15-25cm high or across and before a seed head appears. When the plant starts to produce seeds, more nutrients are translocated up the plant. Therefore, less chemical is taken down to the roots, leading to a reduction in long-term control.
The key requirement is to wait a minimum of three weeks after DoxstarPro is applied before cutting the silage. This ensures that the chemicals get fully translocated down to the root system, a vital factor in achieving long-term control.
Unlike dicamba-based products, DoxstarPro does not cause any check to grass growth.
Favouring factors
Open swards such as those after silage cutting favour the establishment of docks.
Docks also thrive in poached pasture, a common feature on many farms this year.
High fertility, especially soils rich in potash, is also an ideal environment for the development of docks.
Teagasc research has found that high soil potash levels give a competitive advantage to docks over grass. Cattle slurry is rich in potash and, when combined with chemical potash application, can lead to high potash in the soil.
DoxstarPro at a glance
Forefront T perfect for grazing pastures
Forefront T is the perfect broad spectrum weed-killer in grazing pastures. Containing the two powerful ingredients, aminopyralid and triclopyr, it contains the most advanced chemistry in weed control technology.
Forefront T is powerful on docks, thistles, nettles and other pernicious weeds such as buttercups, chickweed and dandelions, making it the ideal all-purpose weed killer. It is also highly effective on ragwort. Apply Forefront T as a single application at two litres per hectare in a minimum 200 litres water. Keep stock off the pasture for seven days after spraying. Forefront T does not result in any check to grass growth.
Best results are achieved when weeds are actively growing and are at the right stage for a good kill. As with DoxstarPro, docks should be 15-25cm high or across and before a seed head begins to show. Thistles should have four to 10 leaves and be 15-25cm high. Nettles should be sprayed before flowering.
If ragwort is among the target weeds, stock should be kept off the treated area until the plant has fully died and disappeared.
Forefront T at a glance