Control ragwort in paddocks
About ragwort
Ragwort is a perennial problem for managers of paddocks and fields. Ragwort is poisonous to people as well as livestock and is classified as an “Injurious weed” by DEFRA under the Ragwort Control Act 2003, meaning that failure to control ragwort on your land may lead to prosecution.
Ragwort should be treated in its early stages, usually in spring and autumn, when it can be found as a “rosette” growing near to the ground (see picture). If it is left to grow, flower and seed ragwort can spread quickly and become very difficult to control.
Is Ragwort harmful?
Ragwort is poisonous to horses and cattle and because it has a cumulative effect it is difficult to spot ragwort poisoning before it is too late. Although it is impossible to calculate the exact number of horses affected by ragwort due to the long term nature of ragwort poisoning, it is estimated that up to 1000 horses a year (ref. University of Liverpool Veterinary School) may be dying.
Treating Ragwort
Treat Ragwort with Headland Polo
Headland Polo will give good control of most weeds found in paddocks and fields, including Ragwort. It is especially effective on rosette stage ragwort and Solar Plus can be added to improve the weed’s uptake of the chemical. A 5 litre pack of Headland Polo will cover about 8 acres. After treatment, livestock should be kept out of treated areas until all traces of ragwort are gone, as it is especially dangerous as it dies because it becomes more palatable. Dead ragwort plants should be stored safely and dried then burned or rotted down in compost for at least 12 months.
An alternative professional use solution for Ragwort control is Thrust.
A 5 litre pack covers 3.5 acres and can also be mixed with Solar Plus to improve Ragwort control. As with Polo, most other weeds in a paddock will also be controlled with Thrust.
As with all professional use products, the appropriate protective clothing as described on the label of the product should be worn when spraying herbicides.
Control Ragwort with Barrier H
Barrier H is an innovation in Ragwort control, destroying this deadly weed in record time, right through to the root. Barrier H can be applied at all stages of growth. Unlike any other spray, Barrier H can be sprayed onto flowerheads only to stop the seeding process straight away
Control Ragwort with Roundup Pro Biactive
Roundup Pro Biactive will kill Ragwort but it also kills grass. It may be used to effectively control and eradicate Ragwort in three ways:
1. As a spot treatment with a carefully directed knapsack sprayer fitted with a sprayer hood or guard. There must be enough actively growing leaf above ground to absorb sufficient product to kill the underground roots. Apply from when they have produced a flowering stem but before seeds are set.
2. Using a hand-held or tractor/quad bike-trailed weed wiper will allow selective control of taller plants in grass or turf.
3. As part of a reseeding operation to establish a new grass sward.
| Method | Dose rate of Roundup Pro Biactive | Dose rate of Roundup Pro Biactive 450 | Application Advice |
| Overall or spot spray | 5l/ha in 80-250l water | 4l/ha in 80-250l water | Spray at flowering but before seed set. Ragwort plants can be cut or pulled 5 days after spraying, allowing grazing to recommence. Any remaining roots will die off |
| Weedwiper | 1 part Roundup Pro Biactive in 2 parts water | 1 part Roundup ProBiactive450 in 3 parts water | Useful method when working in inaccessible areas |
For more information on Headland Polo click here
For more information on Thrust click here
For more information on Solar Plus click here
Barrier H provides year round control of Ragwort, down to the root, in a ready to spray applicator. For more information click here
To view Roundup Pro Biactive 360 click here. To see Roundup Pro Biactive 450 click here
For more information on weedwipers click here
