25/12/2024
Giant Rat's Tail Grass (GRT) is a persistent w**d that requires a strategic approach for effective management. Here's a summary of the methods employed by Trevor McLeod at Stony Creek, categorized by infestation levels:
1. Random Plants:
• Identification and Removal: For isolated plants, apply a higher concentration of glyphosate (250ml per 7 liters of water) directly to the plant. Carefully cut and bag seed heads to prevent further spread.
2. Manageable Infestation:
• Focus Areas: Prioritize treatment along roadways and laneways to prevent seed dissemination.
• Spot Treatment: Use the same glyphosate mixture for spot spraying. Remove seed heads as described above.
• Boom Spraying: In late July or early August, apply "TUSSOCK" Flupropanate liquid at 400ml per 100 liters of water, traveling at 4-6 km/h. This pre-emergent herbicide helps control GRT by inhibiting seedling establishment.
Future Beef
3. Severe Infestation:
• De-stocking: Remove livestock to prevent further seed spread.
• Herbicide Application: Employ a drone to apply a high rate of glyphosate during active growth phases, minimizing ground disturbance and seed spread.
• Burning: Once plants are desiccated, conduct a controlled burn to reduce seed banks.
• Follow-up Spraying: Monitor for regrowth and apply herbicides before seed heads develop.
• Pasture Renovation: After effective control, plough the paddock multiple times and sow competitive, low-growing pasture species to suppress GRT resurgence.
• Additional Flupropanate Application: In late July or early August, perform another boom spray with "TUSSOCK" Flupropanate to maintain control.
Implementing these targeted strategies can significantly reduce GRT infestations and promote healthier pastures. Regular monitoring and timely interventions are crucial to prevent re-establishment.
For a visual guide on herbicide application for GRT management, you may find the following video helpful:
To learn about seed spread and other management options https://youtu.be/9rx1cH7nZ1I00:00 Table of contents00:08 Two registered herbicides00:23 How does flup...
