Slender Speedwell Now On Cabadex Hit-List
Slender Speedwell Veronica filiformis is a perennial problem weed often encountered in sports turf situations. It is the curse of Groundsmen and Greenkeepers alike with its invasive and dominating characteristics and is resistant to many selective herbicides and therefore difficult to control – but not for Headlands’ Cabadex.
Cabadex herbicide has been known for its ability to control a wide spectrum of common weeds as well as some difficult species including Yarrow, Daisy and White Clover on both established and young turf. Successful trials over the last few years also led to label approval for use in combatting Slender Speedwell. This weed spreads above ground via stolons, and below ground by rhizomes in the soil. It can tolerate close mowing; spreads aggressively and can quickly colonise large areas of turf. It can also multiply after mowing if the clippings are not boxed off, as the cut stems can regenerate.
Cabadex combines two active ingredients with different modes of action that provide both leaf and root uptake. Fluroxypyr is an auxinic herbicide that enters plants via the leaves and disrupts normal growth functions. Florasulam however, can enter via the roots as well as the foliage, helping to ensure complete distribution throughout the plant. Fluroxypyr and Florasulam move through the plant in both the xylem and phloem vessels. This provides effective distribution and accumulation at the growing points in both shoots and roots.
Cabadex can be effectively and safely applied to young turf at, or after, the second leaf stage (approximately eight weeks after sowing) and allows re-seeding just four weeks after application. The herbicide carries a low application rate of two litres per hectare which means that Cabadex inputs some of the lowest levels of active ingredients in the market. This makes for an environmentally sensitive option that can be used in a wide variety of turf situations, including application on immature turf areas.