Milkweed Control

[jyoutz]

Milkweed has very deep tap root so if digging out you have to go deep. In other wild flowers I suspect the wicking method is best approach for chemicals. Would also suggest a surfactant to assist in the absorption of the chemical. I use dawn dishwashing detergent for thistles. It helps cut the wax and oil on the thistle leaves.

Agree. And use a dye so you can see where you have already treated.

 

[jaxs]

There are multiple species of Milkweed plus other plants occasionally called milkweed that aren't. There's an equal number of people planting Milkweed as there are trying to eradicate it. Take a couple of newly harvested plants to your county agent or farm store for postive identification and recommendations. The silver grey plant with white blossoms most prevalent in N.Tx pastureland is easily controlled by early mowing or single herbacide application. Rotational grazing or running goats with cattle or sheep does ok unless there's vines,bushes,low growing trees or other browse you want to save.

 

[RalphVa]

The key thing about spraying herbicides like 2-4-d is you need to pick you spot in time. Like others have said, a surfactant will help, but you need to spray when the plant is transpiring--e.g. breathing. If it is too hot or the plant is is draught stressed, the openings on the plant leaves will be closed and the plant will not absorb the herbicide. Also, when you spray in the plant's life cycle during the season is important. The goal is to get as much of the herbicide into the plants root system. You want to spray when the ground temps are up, the plant has leafed out but before it has started to set seed or after the seed has dropped. If you spray as the plant is leafing out or as it is setting seed, the plant is sending nutrients from the roots to the top of the plant and systematic herbicides will not be as effective. However, if you spray as the plant is recharging its roots (i.e. after leaf out and before setting seed or after seed drop) the plant is "recharging" the root system and will be primarily sending nutrients (and any herbicides) from the leaves to the roots--which is what you want.

24d is very volatile. Never spray it when very hot and never spray when there is any wind. It can volatilize and do for miles to condense again and kill whatever is there. Had LOTS of calls at the extension office about this. Just mow it. Think it needs to seed to propagate despite having a tap root. I made a milkweed patch and brought in seed. Can only transplant when very young and very short tap root.