Golden Rod/Yellow Rocket...whatever

[mitch2]

New seeding of alfalfa put in last year. Took 1st crop (oats), then an extended dry spell hit the area... The second crop taken off of the new seeding was just crap, we didn't even feed it out... used it for bedding. Well now the field is filled with what I call Golden Rod, hubby calls Yellow Rocket... whatever it technically is, it is proliferate throughout the fields.

What are some options, cost effective, without re-seeding.

I would appreciate all input!

Michele

 

[mitch2]

I should add that the alfalfa is doing very well also.

Michele

 

[hayray]

Goldenrod is different then yellow rocket. It is probably yellow rocket this time of year that you are seeing. Are you sure that your alfalfa stand is doing good a year after planting to have that many weeds? Sounds like you may need to re-plant. However, if the weeds are real small still, but unlikely now that you can see the yellow rocket, you can use Raptor herbicide, works good on weeds in alfalfa is real small like under 4 inches. Also I have used Butyrac on yellow Rocket, but I am not sure if that is labeled only for new alfalfa plants under a certain height and you will get a certain degree of crop damage, so check the lableing. Also, Velpar can used to kill a lot of weeds but does have a high risk of crop damage. And any of the herbicides labled for alfalfa are pretty exspensive have a narrow opportunitry of use.