Thistlex® Pro Best Practice Guidelines
Scroll down to find out how to optimise use of Thistlex® Pro, or download the information in PDF format here.
Product performance
Thistlex® Pro contains clopyralid and halauxifen-methyl (ArylexTM active). This new formulation gives outstanding control of creeping thistles*, buttercups** and dandelions. Use on established grassland for grazing only. Once applied, it translocates down into the roots securing good plant kill.
Thistlex Pro will not kill nettles or ragwort but will kill clover if present.
Dose rate
Important: Please apply Thistlex Pro at the rate of 1.67 l/ha. Each 5 litre pack then treats 3 hectares / 7.4 acres. This dose rate is NOT the same as Thistlex® which has a different formulation and is applied at 1.0 l/ha.
Application timing for optimal control
Target thistle species, hogweed and cow parsley before they set flower buds. Look for good leaf presence when spraying buttercups or dandelions. Spray when weeds are 150-300 mm in size.
Maximising the efficacy on thistles
Thistlex Pro will deliver ‘susceptible’ levels of control of thistle species. This means a control level of between 85% and 100% when assessed at the end of the season on thistles present at time of spraying. For optimal effect, leaf area, leaf health and active growth are key. Application should be made when weeds are actively growing and are 150-300 mm in size.
*Spear thistle (also called a Bull Thistle) and Marsh Thistle are also controlled.
**Both creeping and meadow buttercups are controlled.
The following factors can limit the actual level of control achieved:
- Spraying too soon after topping - leaves are too small relative to the size of roots.
- Spraying thistles that have started to flower or thistles with many older leaves that lack active growth.
- Too many thistles may shade some, preventing targeting of spray. Shading by an excessive amount of grass will also have an effect.
Topping and spraying thistle re-growth once it reaches optimal size improves the levels of control if these factors are present.
This practice ensures all plants are of a similar size with leaves that are free from disease and damage. Note that if topping in July and growth is slow, then there may be insufficient re-growth to spray before the end of the application window which is 31st July.
Other key weeds
Thistlex Pro controls a much wider weed spectrum than Thistlex. It is exceptionally good on buttercups whether applied pre-flowering or flowering. When in flower, spray early in the morning or late evening, when less pollinators are present.
Thistlex Pro also controls dandelions, hogweed and cow parsley.
Application on leys that have reached more than 90% ground cover
A wider spectrum of weeds may be present at this time. For details on such weeds please refer to your supplier or agronomist.