Take Steps to Keep Spotted Knapweed from Getting Established on Your Property Warns Extension Specialist

Contact: Eldon Cole, livestock specialist
Tel: (417) 466-3102
E-mail: colee@missouri.edu

Since the first report of spotted knapweed in southwest Missouri (in 2002) a number of groups have been working hard to control its spread.

“No doubt, spotted knapweed was probably around several years earlier than 2002 but it went undetected,” said Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and numerous county road districts have cooperated in teaching landowners what knapweed looks like, where knapweed is located in the state and how to control knapweed.

Thanks to the Missouri Legislature, spotted knapweed is now on Missouri’s noxious weed list.

Knapweed control is not difficult. There are several herbicides that are effective when used in October or in the spring. Regular mowing can keep the plant from producing seed. Spring applications should be made before the plant bolts.

“Biological control also offers hope. Beneficial weevils have been released over the last 3 or 4 years. Biological control however is slow and herbicide use will have a more immediate impact,” said Cole.

HERBICIDE CONTROL

The herbicide treatment of spotted knapweed patches can be done in late fall or early spring. Its greatest control occurs when the plant is less than 12 to 15 inches tall. Due to the late spring, many knapweed plants are still in the vulnerable stage.

The plant puts out attractive lavender to purple bloom in early June. Cole says this may be a good time to identify it and make note of those locations for treatment in the fall when the plant is in the rosette stage.

“Remember to watch hay fields closely and know if knapweed is in them. Be careful to not spread the seed across your farm or don’t sell infected hay to a neighbor,” said Cole. “My recommendation is keep after spotted knapweed and don’t let it become established on your property.”

For more information, contact any of these MU Extension agronomy specialists in southwest Missouri: Tim Schnakenberg in Stone County, (417) 357-6812; Jill Scheidt in Barton County, (417) 682-3579; John Hobbs in McDonald County, (417) 223-4775 or Brie Menjoulet in Hickory County, (417) 745-6767.