Farm/Ranch
Green milkweed control
By Randy Moore, District Conservationist, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Sep 1, 2006

Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a very hardy broadleaf weed common to blackland soils.  It could be referred to as Fannin County ranchers “public enemy #1”.  This weed is a perennial and difficult to control.  Common herbicides such as 2,4-d have little effect on this weed.  The Fannin Soil & Water Conservation District requested a trial demonstration be set up for control of this noxious weed.

On June 12, 2006, Daryl Evans, Range Specialist with DOW Chemical and Randy Moore, District Conservationist, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, set up a 40 plot demonstration on Mark Edwards Property 1.5 miles East of Bonham.

Plots were evaluated by Evans and Moore on July 13, 2006.  Complete results are recorded in the attached chart.  Overall the product surmount did an outstanding job on the green milkweed (90-97% control).  The cost of the product is somewhat higher than other common herbicides, but an application once every 5 to 10 years could prove to be economical.

Daryl Evans, DOW Representative, evaluates green milkweed plots in Fannin County.

Surmount chemical plot shows great promise for control of green milkweed.  Thanks to Mark Edwards who allowed DOW, USDA, and Fannin SWCD to do this demonstration on his property. 

For more information regarding weed control contact the USDA-NRCS office or Texas Cooperative Extension.

       Product Name                                                                      

•          Trt 1 – 5 oz Milestone

•          Trt 2 – 7 oz Milestone

•          Trt 3 – 1 quart Forefront R&P

•          Trt 4 – 2 quarts Forefront R&P

•          Trt 5 – 3 pints Surmount

•          Trt 6 – 4 pints Surmount

•          Trt 7 – 4 pints Grazon P+D

•          Trt 8 – 1 pint Tordon 22K

•          Trt 9 – 2 pints Tordon 22K

•          Trt 10 – Control

Percent Control

•          trt # 1 - 33% average

•          trt # 2 - 53% average

•          trt # 3 – 31% average

•          trt # 4 – 73 % average

•          trt # 5 – 90% average

•          trt # 6 – 97% average

•          trt # 7 – 63% average

•          trt # 8 – 65% average

•          trt # 9 – 63% average

•          trt # 10 – Control

*Cost per Acre (Chemical only)

•          trt # 1 - $11.75

•          trt # 2 - $16.45

•          trt # 3 – $13.00

•          trt # 4 – $26.00

•          trt # 5 – $21.00

•          trt # 6 – $28.00

•          trt # 7 – $16.00

•          trt # 8 – $12.50

•          trt # 9 – $25.00

•          trt # 10 – Control

 * Cost of Chemical provided by Estes Chemical in Paris, TX.