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Kill sycamore seedlings to reduce health risk for horses
Horses and ponies that graze sycamore seedlings growing in fields this spring are at high risk of contracting atypical myopathy – a dangerous and potentially fatal disease. All steps should be taken to prevent horses coming into contact with any part of the sycamore tree.
Sycamore seedlings, leaves and their ‘helicopter’ seeds contain Hypoglycin-A. When eaten, this is converted to a toxin which rapidly inhibits energy production in the muscles, most notably in the heart and chest. Young horses and those on overgrazed ground are most at risk.
The symptoms of sycamore poisoning include sudden weakness, a stiff gait, sweating, passing brown or red urine and difficulty breathing and standing. Call the vet immediately if these signs are seen.
There is no antidote and up to 70% of horses severely affected will die.
When sycamore seedlings are seen, horses and ponies must be taken out of the field immediately. If the weeds cannot easily be removed by hand, a spray application should be considered. Mowing the field will not reduce future risk as the saplings can regrow from the roots left behind.
Approach a local spray contractor qualified to apply herbicides with a knapsack or tractor-mounted sprayer and discuss the product options.
Grazon® Pro and ProGrass™ from Corteva Agriscience will both give good control of sycamore seedlings.
The first can be put through a knapsack where seedling numbers are low; ProGrass can be applied through a boom sprayer where the problem is more widespread.
Both products will also give good control of other weeds that might also be present, notably docks and nettles. ProGrass is also effective against buttercups and cow parsley.
Horses must not return to a field that has been sprayed for at least seven days or longer. Wait until the seedlings have died and completely rotted away, because decaying weeds still contain harmful Hypoglycin-A.
Sycamore seedlings that have germinated and are growing in grassland
Note to editors
Grazon-Pro contains clopyralid and triclopyr. ProGrass contains halauxifen (Arylex), fluroxypyr and triclopyr.
Sycamore is not a label weed for Corteva’s grassland herbicides. Any recommendations for off-label or anecdotal control are only indicative and should not be considered a recommendation for use on the part of Corteva Agriscience. The user assumes full responsibility for use on sycamore seedlings.
About Corteva
Corteva, Inc. is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximising productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognised brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfils its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019, and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at https://www.corteva.com/uk
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Media Contact:
Sara Gregson
Sara Gregson Marketing Communications
t: 01799 530934 m: 07768 764062 e: sara@saragregson.co.uk