BASIC HERBICIDE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Herbicides can be divided into two main categories. Non-Selective herbicides generally target all plants including grasses while Selective Broadleaf herbicides target only broadleaf plants and generally do not harm grasses. There are many Non-restricted Use herbicides available in quantities of one gallon or less, whereas Restricted Use herbicides require a pesticide applicator license for purchase. If you are interested in obtaining a pesticide applicator license contact the WSU Extension Office for information and study materials. Your chemical dealer or County Weed Board can recommend herbicides for your particular situation.

Surfactants, also known as stickers and spreaders, aid in the coverage and penetration of herbicides on the plant surface. Adding a nonionic surfactant to the tank mix is highly recommended because it can significantly improve the efficacy of the herbicide.

Timing of an herbicide application can mean the difference between success and failure. Young, healthy, actively growing plants are usually most susceptible to chemical control. Mature, flowering plants have generally stopped growing and are less susceptible to herbicide uptake. A good strategy for flowering plants is to mow them to prevent seed production and then spray the active regrowth in a week or two.

Safety is extremely important when using herbicides. Read and follow the label recommendations for mixing and applying herbicides because the label is a legal document. Always wear proper personal protective equipment and follow pesticide application regulations.

IPM or Integrated Pest Management strategies combine chemical, mechanical, cultural, and when possible, biological control methods. This multi-pronged approach will yield the most effective results.

Revegetation with desirable plants where weeds have been removed may be required in order to discourage infestation of noxious weeds. Bare ground provides ideal conditions for noxious weeds whereas a thick cover will provide competition.

Backpack and electric tank Sprayers can be purchased at local farm supply and hardware stores for a reasonable price and will last for years if maintained properly. As a public service to private landowners the Yakima County Noxious Weed Control Board loans out backpack sprayers, electric battery op. spray tanks, and 3-Point PTO driven tank sprayers free of charge on a first come, first serve basis. Call 509-574-2180 for availability.   ( There may be a late fee if not returned in a timely manner)

COMM0NLY RECOMMENDED SELECTIVE BROADLEAF HERBICIDES

Milestone© - Aminopyralid - A Selective Broadleaf Herbicide with long residual activity.

• Generally labeled for Pasture, Rangeland, and Non-cropland.
• Can be purchased at local farm supply and chemical retailers (no applicator license required). Usually in 1 qt. containers.
• Mix according to the label for specific needs (generally .07 to .16 ounces per 1000 sq. ft. or 4 to 7 ounces per acre) and add surfactant.           In backpack sprayers (calibrated at 50 gallons per acre) generally 12cc or 1 Tablespoon per 3 gallons of water and add surfactant.

Weedmaster© - 2,4-D amine + Dicamba — A combination of two Selective Broadleaf Herbicides.       

Generally labeled for Pasture, Rangeland, Hay, and General Farmstead.

• Can be purchased at local farm supply and chemical retailers (no applicator license required on purchases of one gallon or less).
• Mix according to the label for specific needs (generally I to 2 ounces per gallon of water or 2 to 4 pints per acre) and add surfactant.

MSM 60DF — metsulfuron methyl — A Selective Broadleaf Herbicides with moderate residual activity.

• Generally labeled for Pasture, Rangeland, and Non-cropland.
• Can be purchased at local farm supply and chemical retailers (no applicator license required). Usually in 8 0z or 16 0z containers.     Mix according to the label for specific needs (generally ¹/4 teaspoon per gallon or I to 2 ounces per acre) and add surfactant.

Tordon 22k© - Picloram - A Selective Broadleaf with long-term residual activity.

• Generally labeled for Pasture, Rangeland, and Non-cropland.
• Can be purchased at local chemical retailers (applicator license required, Federal Restricted Use Herbicide)
• Mix according to the label for specific needs (generally ½ to ¾  ounce per gallon of water or I to 2 pints per acre) and add surfactant.

Always read and follow the label, it is a legal document!

The label is the law!