Bracken Control

In addition to its impact on grassland productivity, bracken provides a favourable habitat for sheep ticks, increasing the risk of tick-borne diseases within livestock systems.

The withdrawal of Asulox (asulam) has left growers with fewer options for effective bracken control. However,  trial work conducted by Nufarm  has demonstrated encouraging levels of control using a combination of Squire Ultra and Thrust (Magneto).

Recommended Treatment Programme

Application Rate:

• Squire Ultra – 60 g/ha
• Thrust (Magneto) – 2.5 l/ha

This programme provides an effective agronomy solution for weed control in permanent grassland and has shown strong activity against bracken under field conditions.

Application Timing

Timing remains critical to maximise herbicide uptake and translocation within the plant.

Applications should be targeted at actively growing bracken when fronds have fully unfurled and sufficient leaf area is present for herbicide interception. In most situations, the optimum timing will be during late June through early July.

Applications made outside this growth stage are likely to result in reduced efficacy and poorer long-term suppression.

Application Guidelines

To achieve the best level of control:

• Apply to healthy, actively growing bracken.
• Ensure fronds are fully expanded prior to treatment.
• Use a minimum water volume of 200 l/ha to achieve adequate coverage.
• Aerial application is not permitted.
• Avoid cutting, crushing or disturbing treated bracken following application.

Following treatment, growers should allow the bracken canopy to die back naturally during the season. Premature removal of top growth may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment programme.

Dead material should be left in situ and removed during the following spring once complete senescence has occurred.

Expected Benefits

Effective bracken suppression can deliver a number of benefits to upland and marginal grassland systems:

• Increased grass production and grazing availability.
• Reduced competition from bracken.
• Improved utilisation of permanent pasture.
• Reduced habitat suitability for sheep ticks.
• Enhanced access for livestock and machinery.
• Improved long-term grassland management.

With many bracken stands now approaching the fully unfurled growth stage, growers should be preparing application plans to ensure treatment is carried out within the optimum late June to early July window.

Timely intervention remains essential to maximise control and protect the productivity of permanent grassland.

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Squire Ultra (Clover Safe) 120G Herbicide

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