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Woody Weed Specialists™/  Using herbicides/  How to use Tordon® Granules Weed and Brush

How to use Tordon® Granules Weed and Brush

Herbicide

Tordon® Granules Weed and Brush Herbicide

Tordon Granules Herbicide contains the active ingredient picloram, which has activity on a wide range of broadleaf weeds. Tordon Granules are spreadable and require no preparation prior to use as a spot treatment for target weeds.

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Overview

Product key features

  • Specialty herbicide for use as a spot treatment for target weeds.
  • A spreadable granule that requires no preparation prior to use.
  • Provides targeted weed control with minimal off-target risk.
  • Particularly useful for rapid treatment of isolated weeds where access for foliar spray equipment is difficult or where foliar treatment may cause off-target spray drift and damage to desirable trees or crops.
  • Use can take place whenever target weeds are actively growing.

Product description

This product is a designed for those who wish to control noxious and woody weeds but do not have access to chemical spray equipment. The granules are simply spread onto the ground (in the root zone), where rain washes the chemical into the root zone, eventually providing robust control.

Product specifications

  • Ingredient:

    20 g/kg picloram

  • Formulation:

    Spreadable granule

  • Pack size:

    5 kg

Major weeds controlled

  • African boxthorn control
  • Blackberry control
  • Eucalypt regrowth control
  • Ragwort control
  • Sweet briar control

Woody Weed Control Guide

 

Use the controls at the bottom of the page to get the most from this useful new tool from the Woody Weed Specialists.

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Tordon Granules – application

Application methods

No preparation is required. Simply spread the granules under the target weeds or on the crushed crown of the plant.

a) Woody weeds – such as blackberries

Spread the granules underneath the weeds extending from the main stem to 30 cm outside the dripline (the outermost area of canopy). This will place the herbicide over the main area of the weed’s root system.

If weeds are particularly thick and it is difficult to spread the granules directly on the soil, they may be thrown over the top of the bush – but make sure that the spread is even across the canopy.

To be effective the granules must ultimately reach the soil. Rainfall will disperse the granules and the active ingredient can then move down to the roots of the target weeds. The herbicide must be taken up through the whole plant so even spread across the entire root area is important.

b) Herbaceous weeds – such as ragwort

Crush the centre of the weed with the heel of your boot (or similar) and then drop the granules directly onto the crushed plant. The moisture from the crushed part of the plant will begin to draw the chemical from the granules into the soil and then the root system of the weed.

A Weedstick† may also be used to apply the granules but this is not essential. The Weedstick† is used to crush the centre of the weed and at the same time it delivers a metered dose of the granules. († Weedstick has NZ Patent No. 190285, 188725.)

A video demonstrating the correct technique for hand spreading Tordon Granules can be accessed here.

Equipment required for application

  • Gloves – although gloves are not specified on the label, it is always good practice to wear gloves when handling any chemical.

Application timing for best results

For Tordon Granules to work they must come into contact with water so the chemical can move from the granule into the soil and down into the root zone of the weed. Application just prior to rainfall is ideal. However, the granules can remain on the soil surface for several weeks without access to water and still provide excellent control once activated by moisture.

Application should be made when the target weeds are actively growing or about to begin active growth. Actively growing weeds will draw the chemical into the vascular system via the roots, provided the target weeds are not stressed and are in, or about to commence, active growth. Application of Tordon Granules can occur throughout the year.

A general guide to the best time of the year in which to treat common woody weeds can be found in this table.

Application rate

For woody weeds, such as blackberries, apply 35–45 g (approximately ¼ cup) of granules per square metre.

For single-stem herbaceous weeds apply 2 g of granules per crushed centre.

Correct mixing procedure

Tordon Granules are spreadable granules that require no preparation prior to use.

Tordon Granules – safety

Safe handling

Tordon Granules have very low toxicity to humans and the product is exempt from scheduling. Whilst there are no specific recommendations on the label it is good practice to store all crop protection products safely. During application, avoid contact with skin or eyes. Whilst the product label does not specify any protective equipment it is advisable that suitable protective gloves are worn when handling the granules. For spills and leaks, the label specifies to wear a face shield or goggles, overalls buttoned to the neck and wrist, and chemical-resistant gloves and footwear.

A copy of the Safety Data Sheet can be accessed here.

Safety to stock

Tordon Granules pose little risk to stock and because of that and the method of use, there is no stock grazing withholding period. This means that stock do not need to be moved from the paddock during application.

However, care does need to be taken because some treated weeds often become very palatable to stock, as there is an increase in the plant’s sugar content as it dies, and stock will preferentially graze on these over the pasture grasses. If naturally toxic weeds such as ragwort, variegated thistle and capeweed are being treated, stock should be kept from the paddocks until these weeds have died.

For further information on the use of Tordon Granules in areas around horses, the information in this technical note may be useful.

Environment

 

Impact of Tordon Granules on the environment

Many desirable crops and ornamentals are very sensitive to Tordon Granules so care must be taken when applying the product to avoid spreading the granules over soil where roots of desirable plants are growing.

Plants susceptible to Tordon Granules include (but are not limited to) fruit trees, grape vines, legumes (pea, beans, lucerne, etc.), potatoes, roses, shade trees and tomatoes.

Residues of Tordon Granules can remain active in the soil for many months with the longevity affected by use rate, soil type, temperature and moisture. Care therefore needs to be taken when planting new crops or trees into areas where Tordon Granules have been applied to ensure that no residues remain active.

The chemical on the Tordon Granules can be toxic to fish and other aquatic wildlife. Therefore take care to avoid spreading granules in areas where physical erosion of soil could move them into waterways. Never spread Tordon Granules in empty waterways or directly into a waterway.

Application Technique – Hand application