Thistlex Pro 5L

Thistlex Pro is a systemic penetrant selective herbicide containing 120g/l clopyralid and 5g/l halauxifen-methyl for the control of thistles in established grassland. It can be applied once per year at a rate of 1L/ha.

Thistlex Pro is designed to provide excellent control of thistles. Its systemic activity ensures that the active substance is translocated to the plant roots, providing effective long term control. Thistlex Pro also has significant activity against other broad-leaved weeds such as common nettle, buttercup and dandelion.

Instructions for use

Where to use:

• Grassland - Short and long-term grass leys and permanent pasture, which may be grazed and /or cut for subsequent animal consumption (this product must not be used on grassland which will be grazed by horses and ponies).

When to use:

Apply when weeds are actively growing between 1st March - 31st July.

Thistles should be in the rosette stage and no bigger than 200mm across.

How to use:

• Apply at a rate of 1.67L/ha in 200-400L/ha water.

Additional information:

• Do not spray in drought, very hot or very cold weather.
• Rainfast within 4 hours
• Do not roll or harrow grass for 10 days before or 7 days after application
• Do not use any plant material treated with Thistlex Pro for bedding, composting or mulching
• Do not use manure from animals fed on grass treated with Thistlex Pro for composting or mulching
• Do not use on grassland which will be grazed by horses and ponies
• Do not use treated grass for cut fresh grass, hay, haylage or silage within 12 months of application
• Do not sell manure from animals grazing on grass treated with Thistlex Pro
• Avoid drift onto non-target plants
• Where ragwort is present, follow guidance for ragwort in the code of practice
• Keep livestock out of the treated area for at least 14 days and do not use on grassland that will be grazed by horses and ponies

Active substances

Clopyralid and Halauxifen-methyl

Bio-Chemical Mode of Action: Clopyralid and Halauxifen-methyl  belong to the synthetic auxins group of herbicides.

Synthetic auxins work by inducing rapid abnormal cell growth and development in the stems, petioles and leaves of susceptible plants causing cell bursts and ultimately cell and plant death.

Mobility: Clopyralid and Halauxifen-methyl are systemic penetrants which means that the active substance can be translocated downwards through the plant within the phloem (sugar conducting tissues) and upwards through the plant within the xylem (water conducting tissues).

Application timing: Systemic auxins are best applied when the weeds are actively growing. They are generally more effective when target plants are younger and in their vegetative phases.

Resistance: The incidences of resistance to synthetic auxins remains relatively low which is assumed to be because the herbicide has multiple sites of action.

However, resistance to synthetic auxins has been observed globally with 36 species being confirmed as resistant as of 2017. Best management practices, such as alternating with products with a different mode of action and using cultural weed control methods, will help to reduce the risk of further resistance.