CANADA THISTLE
CONTROL METHODS

Douglas County Noxious Weed Control provides this information as a courtesy (disclaimer) to those who are
interested in controlling noxious weeds. We recommend a combination of two methods below (an
integrated approach) to effectively control an infestation. If you prefer to have a Commercial
Company take care of your Control needs, you can visit our Contractor's Page or use any
Contractor found in the Yellow Pages. Equipment may also be available at a local rental store. .

Remember, no matter what method(s) is used, ALL AREAS of the property must be
maintained. These areas include around fences, poles, mounds, holes, hillsides
(no matter how steep), and any other that may require specialized control.

CHEMICAL APPLICATION

Note: The below information is derived from the Nebraska Cooperative Extension EC 06-130-D
(HERBICIDE USE IN NEBRASKA). Please consult the individual pesticide label for proper application rates.
Always read and follow label directions and wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment

HERBICIDE*	APPLICATION TIMING	REMARKS
Tordon 22K	Fall - plant actively growing or Spring - early flower bud	For non-crop areas and spot treatment in pasture and range. Tordon may remain in the soil for 3 or more years
Tordon 22K + 2,4-D LV Ester (4L)	Fall or Spring - during flower bud	For non-crop areas and spot treatment in pasture and range.
Roundup Ultra	Flower bud stage or in Fall when growing actively	Idle ground or spot treatment in cropland before head or pod fill of crop. Avoid tillage for three days.
Banvel	Fall - actively growing or Spring - early flower bud	Idle ground or grassland. Avoid tillage for five days. Injury to forage grasses may occur. Broadleaf crops may be injured for two years after Treatment.
Curtail or Stinger	Rosette to pre-bud or Fall- actively growing	Curtail - Use lower rate in wheat and barley, higher rate in fallow, pasture, or CRP. Stinger - used in Sugarbeet and Corn
Ally + Surfactant or Telar + Surfactant or Escort + Surfactant	4 - 6" or rosette stage Prebloom to bloom or Fall - actively growing	Escort or Telar for use in non cropland only. Use Ally in wheat, barley or fallow to be planted to winter wheat. One application supresses Canada Thistle

* A property owner is not limited to these Herbicides only. Other Herbicides may be available, please consult
the individual herbicide label for proper application directions. Herbicides can be found at coops, area nurseries,
retail stores, farm stores, and other landscape centers. For more information on Herbicides and their uses please
check with the Douglas County Extension Service.

MECHANICAL CONTROL

METHOD	TIMING	REMARKS
Mowing (short term method to prevent seed spread)	Bloom Stage only	Because of Canada Thistle's ability to regenerate by small root parts, Mowing should not be relied on as a control method. Tillage should not be an option.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS

Biological Control (insects) have been used in Nebraska (especially in the Western half)
since the late 1980's. These agents work slowly and results may not be seen for
several years. They should be used as a tool and should be part of an integrated
program and not relied on to completely control any noxious weed.
They shall be as effective as the use of herbicides and shall be approved by the
Douglas County Weed Control before being used.


CONTROL METHOD RECOMMENDATION

Note: Improving the conditions and competition of desirable grasses and vegetation
is the best defense against noxious weeds. Avoiding waste areas, overgrazing, disturbed
ground and proper care of existing vegetation, will aid in keeping noxious weeds away.
KEY: Be PERSISTANT! A Perennial requires multiple years of control.

SPRING	SUMMER	FALL
Chemical during Early flower bud stage	Mowing Flower Stage	Chemical when actively growing

Since there is not a suitable (large) site of Canada Thistle for Biological
Control Agents, Douglas County Weed Control will not accept these agents
as a control method. In the case of a suitable infestation, we are open to
investigating the release of these Agents.

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