LAUNCHED this spring by Dow AgroSciences is the new herbicide Envy. It contains florasulam the first new active ingredient for grassland launched in over 12 years.

Envy delivers exceptional control on buttercups, dandelions, chickweed and daisies and it is particularly safe to grass. It is well-suited for the use in equine pastures where weeds dominate.

Envy adds greatly to the armoury in controlling weeds in horse paddocks according to Chris Maughan, Technical Manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, who distributes the Dow AgroSciences range of products on the Irish market

Chris Maughan added: “Like many products from the Dow AgroSciences stable, Envy has a short stock exclusion of just seven days and because there are no issues with residues in manure, it is particularly suited to horse paddocks. Its use can be very important where horse manure is used as a nutrient source in gardening."

Envy should be applied at two litre/ha in 200 litres of water any time up to the end of November, making it an excellent choice for established grass and autumn reseeds. Often control is achieved before flowering which allows the chemical absorb into the plant.

Envy comes in a 3 litre pack which treats 1.5 hectares (3.75 acres) and is available from your local Co-Op or Agri merchant.

Dow AgroSciences will have a stand a Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair from May 31st – June 4th. Take this opportunity to speak to a grassland expert and learn more about weed free paddocks and pastures.

ENVY best use advice:

Envy is a contact herbicide, so broad-leaved weeds not present at application will not be controlled.

If weeds grow beyond the ideal stage, consider cutting the sward and spraying the regrowth.

Allow two-three weeks after cutting before applications of Envy are made to allow sufficient regrowth of the weeds.

Allow an interval of four weeks after application before cutting grass for hay to optimise the effect of the herbicide and allow it to get down to kill out the roots.

Do not roll or harrow grass for 10 days before or seven days after application.

Envy will kill clover or other legumes.

Grass seed can be stitched in one month after application.

Grazing can resume after just 7 days.

This may need to be longer if foliage of poisonous weeds such as ragwort is present.

ENVY key facts:

Contains two powerful ingredients - Florasulam and fluroxypyr.

Weeds controlled: buttercups, dandelions, docks, chickweed, daisies and plantains.

Use rate: 2.0lt/ha.

Water volume: 200lt/ha.

Pack size: 3lt.

Treats: 1.5 ha (3.75 acres).

Available from your local Agri merchant or Co-op.