Weed in Food Plot - Ask Extension
I have this weed coming up in my food plot. It has been tilled twice and sprayed as well. Weeds are getting less however now have these growing.
Knowledgebase
Weed in Food Plot #881167
Asked August 12, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
I have this weed coming up in my food plot. It has been tilled twice and sprayed as well. Weeds are getting less however now have these growing.
Wexford County Michigan
Expert Response
This is a plant called oxeye daisy (Leucanthmum vulgare). It is an introduced perennial species that is a very prolific seed producer. It also reproduces by short rhizomes (underground stems). I have issues with this in the weed garden that I have on campus for class.
Tillage can make this weed worse because the rhizomes are chopped up, spread around, and resprout forming clones of the original plant.
There are not going to be any selective herbicides to use in a food plot (unless it is only a grass species), so spot treatment with something like glyphosate would be recommended.
When using products containing glyphosate there are a few important points to consider. First, as with any pesticide, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, glyphosate is relatively safe in the environment when used as labeled. It adsorbs strongly to soil in most cases (i.e. clay and organic matter), allowing even sensitive crops to be planted shortly after application; meaning no carry over issues are expected. Fourth, glyphosate alone can take up to 14 days to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Glyphosate is most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). For woody species, periods of heavy sap flow in the spring may not be effective times to treat. Finally, glyphosate is getting harder to find in the consumer market (i.e., big box stores) and Roundup brand products have been changing their active ingredients (even though the labels look similar) and moving away from glyphosate. Roundup Super Concentrate as of the summer of 2024 still has glyphosate only as the active ingredient. There are also generic glyphosate products available at stores like Tractor Supply Company. Be sure that the product you choose has only the active ingredient glyphosate or glyphosate + pelargonic acid. Products with additional active ingredients may have other unwanted effects and may delay the planting of other plants in the coming season(s).
Tillage can make this weed worse because the rhizomes are chopped up, spread around, and resprout forming clones of the original plant.
There are not going to be any selective herbicides to use in a food plot (unless it is only a grass species), so spot treatment with something like glyphosate would be recommended.
When using products containing glyphosate there are a few important points to consider. First, as with any pesticide, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, glyphosate is relatively safe in the environment when used as labeled. It adsorbs strongly to soil in most cases (i.e. clay and organic matter), allowing even sensitive crops to be planted shortly after application; meaning no carry over issues are expected. Fourth, glyphosate alone can take up to 14 days to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Glyphosate is most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). For woody species, periods of heavy sap flow in the spring may not be effective times to treat. Finally, glyphosate is getting harder to find in the consumer market (i.e., big box stores) and Roundup brand products have been changing their active ingredients (even though the labels look similar) and moving away from glyphosate. Roundup Super Concentrate as of the summer of 2024 still has glyphosate only as the active ingredient. There are also generic glyphosate products available at stores like Tractor Supply Company. Be sure that the product you choose has only the active ingredient glyphosate or glyphosate + pelargonic acid. Products with additional active ingredients may have other unwanted effects and may delay the planting of other plants in the coming season(s).
