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Broadleaf Weed Control with ProClovaâ„¢ in White Clover/Grass Pastures

Extension Education

Brad Runsick
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Mountain Home

Abstract

Weed control is a critical component to producing quality forage for livestock. Weeds, such as chickweed, buttercup, thistles, and plantain, rob desirable forages of water, light, and nutrients throughout the growing season. Choosing the right herbicide and applying it at the right time is critical to successful weed control. A common concern for producers is the fear of killing any white clover that is present. In the past, the options for clover species and herbicides to co-exist has been limited to that of <1 quart/per acre of 2,4-D amine and white clover or lespedeza. Other herbicides will injure white clover.

A new herbicide formulation, ProClova™, from Corteva™, is awaiting registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is anticipated to be released in 2022. Once approved, ProClova™ may be a weed control option in white clover pastures. With the registration pending, in-field demonstrations are needed to provide local results to Arkansas county agents to make recommendations to their producers. To address this need, seven fall demonstrations and seven spring demonstrations were conducted around the state. The weeds most common across all demonstrations were common chickweed, sticky chickweed, buckhorn plantain, musk thistle, and buttercup. Treatments included: 1.5 pt./acre ProClova™, 3 pt./acre ProClova™, 1 qt./acre 2,4-D amine, and 1 qt./acre 2,4-DB (Butyrac).

Weed control was generally consistent across all demonstration locations and treatments. No difference was observed between the fall and spring applications. Common and sticky chickweed control was poor with all treatments. Buttercup, thistle, and plantain control was excellent, with the exception of poor control of plantain with the 2,4-DB treatment. Plots were visually rated on a scale of 0-100, with 100 being excellent, 100% control of the target weed species. White clover had good tolerance to all treatments. Among all treatments, there was some discoloration and lodging, initially, but white clover recovered fully within 4-6 weeks.

2,4-D amine at 1 qt./acre is an economical treatment that provided equivalent weed control for the species present when compared to the other treatments. Cost for ProClova™ have not been released.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Brad Runsick, Blair Griffin
  1. Runsick, B. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72653
  2. Griffin, B. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72830