Ohio pastures and hay fields threatened by invasive weed

OLD WASHINGTON, Ohio — Spotted knapweed, a noxious weed, was first detected in Ohio two years ago. The weed seed was most likely purchased in a pasture seed mix, said Clif Little, OSU Extension educator.

Since that time this noxious weed has expanded more rapidly than could be imagined, said Little. Heavy infestations of the weed can now be found concentrated in the Quaker City area.

The plant seed is easily distributed with the movements of equipment and hay. Little said observations along the roadways confirm pockets of these weeds extending into Noble, Guernsey, Belmont and Monroe counties.

Characteristics

Spotted knapweed is the most aggressive perennial weed to impact hay and pasture fields in Ohio. This plant can produce as much as 1000 seeds per plant.

The western U.S. has struggled with the weed for many years but it has only recently become a problem in Ohio, said Little. The plant is attractive, resembles the bloom of red clover and is currently 1-3 feet tall.

Little said the problem with the weed is that it can completely take over hay fields and pasture land. Livestock avoid eating the plant and it crowds out desirable grasses and legumes.

Seeds are inadvertently spread through the actions of hay hauling and mowing. It is also likely vehicles venturing into infested areas have contributed to plant distribution.

Prevention

Little recommends controlling the plant as soon as it’s found. In small areas around the house, landowners should pull it up and burn it. It may also be spot sprayed utilizing a glyphosate product such as Roundup or another product containing this active ingredient.

For pasture and grass hay fields Little said there are several broadleaf herbicides options depending on its state of maturity and use of the forage. At the current state of knapweed development and according to university studies; Milestone at 5-7 oz/acre or ForeFront at 2-2.6 pt/acre can provide effective control.

Refer to product labels for herbicide use restrictions regarding grazing, hay harvest and replanting. The application of broadleaf herbicides will injure legumes such as clover and alfalfa. The best knapweed control program is early detection and eradication.

Cautions

Avoid spreading this weed seed on farm machinery. Don’t purchase hay containing knapweeds and utilize only certified seed when planting. Manage hayfields and pastures to promote dense grass growth and this will help to reduce knapweed invasion.

For more information contact your local OSU Extension office.