Docks Control
Key facts:
- Common name: Broad-leaved dock/ Curled dock (can also be known as dock leaves)
- Scientific name: Rumex obtusifolius/Rumex crispus
- Timing: Leaves tend to appear in spring; treat spring to autumn
About Docks:
Dock appears in paddocks/fields in large spreading groups and can be identified by their coarse, broad leaves. They are a difficult weed to eradicate due to the fact they have branched tap roots that can regrow from the top if damaged. Seeds are also in abundance with this weed, germinating readily if left on the surface of the ground and they are capable of surviving in the soil for around 50 years.
How to control docks:
Translocated weed killers need perennial weeds to be actively growing when they are sprayed to ensure that the chemical can get down to the roots of the weed. This will help achieve optimum control.
Docks are affected by colder temperatures, developing waxy leaved with purple tinges. Ensure that overnight frost/ cold starts have passed and the docks have started active growth before spraying. If you are thinking of treating your docks while there are still fluctuating temperatures then you need to remember that you are more at risk of damaging your grass.
Removing docks early in the season gives the grass time to recolonise and makes sure that any nitrogen and soil moisture is being used by the grass crop and not any weeds that would have been there before.
For overall spraying with a boom sprayer, we recommend applying Doxstar Pro at 2L/ha in 300L of water per ha when controlling docks. This has been specifically formulated to give lasting control and should be applied 21-28 days before the first cut silage to ensure that the weed biomass has fully rotted down rather than it being cut and taken into the silage clamp. An alternative option would be to use Pas-Tor Agronomy Pack through a boom sprayer. If you are using a knapsack sprayer, the strongest option would be Grazon-Pro.
Where clover needs to be retained in a paddock we recommend using Squire Ultra for docks control.
