Musk Thistle & Plumeless Thistle Control Recommendation

Early spring is a good time to control musk and plumeless thistles when they are in early, actively growing rosette stages. Scout and control the infested area on a weekly basis until you have all the plants killed. Assume there are "escapes" - plants you didn't see the last time. Musk and plumeless thistles are easily controlled in small areas or lightly scattered areas by hand digging or pulling the entire plant. Sever the root at least 1 inch below the soil surface. If the soil is loose or wet, the entire plant is easily pulled. Use necessary protective clothing. BEFORE USING ANY HERBICIDE, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup is not the preferred herbicide to use.

When using hand sprayers, for each 1 qt/A recommended rate add 1.5 tablespoons (0.75 oz) herbicide per gallon of water. One gallon will cover about 1000 sq. ft. Example: recommended rate of 2qts/A converts to 3 tablespoons/gal of water 1.5 x 2qt = 3T.

CROPLAND
For crop period, use a broadleaf herbicide labeled for the crop. For fallow period, 2,4-D LVE at 2# active ingredient/A may be used. Hand digging or tillage, severing roots 2 inches below the surface will also provide control.

PASTURE, CRP, AND NON-AGRICULTURAL LAND
In seedling and rosette stage, Grazon P+D at 2pt/A may be used on pasture and CRP land. Other options are Clarity 8 oz + 2,4-D LVE 1# active ingredient/A; or 2,4-D LVE at 2# active ingredient/A; or hand digging or tillage severing roots 2 inches below the surface. Once the thistles have bolted or are blooming, Escort .3oz/A + surfactant + 2,4-D LVE 1# active ingredient/A; or Clarity 2 pts + 2,4-D LVE 1# active ingredient/A or hand digging or tillage severing roots 2 inches below the surface. Escort does reduce the formation of viable seed. Once the thistles have bolted (formed flower stalks) or flowering occurs, they are much more difficult to control. Once flowers mature and seeds have formed, minimize the spread of seeds by removing heads and burning them, or mowing with a sickle-bar mower and then gathering and burning mowed debris. Always comply with any burning restrictions.

ALFALFA
For alfalfa there are no herbicides labeled for broadcast spraying of musk and plumeless thistles. Spot spraying thistle plants with 2,4-D is an option. Remember these herbicides may kill any alfalfa plants contacted. Another option is hand digging or pulling individual plants. If alfalfa is cut prior to thistle flowering, any regrowth may be easily spotted and treated. IF THISTLES ARE ALLOWED TO FLOWER, A QUARANTINE WILL BE ISSUED. If the thistle infestation is scattered throughout or moderate to severe, consider breaking up the alfalfa and planting the field to a different crop. The alfalfa could be cut for hay prior to thistle flowering. Any regrowth could be killed with 2,4-D + Banvel; or Roundup may be broadcast applied. Then a row crop no-tilled into the dead alfalfa residue. Check with the US Natural Resources Conservation Service office before proceeding if the field is part of a conservation compliance plan.