There are Hammer’s, Sledge’s, Sharpen’s, and many more, but where and when will each of these Group 14 (old Group G) spike herbicides be used most effectively?
Striker/Goal (Oxyfluorfen)
Probably the first of the Group 14’s and the most common. Once good on marshmallows, it is now an economical spike for many summer sprays, but lacks the punch of some newer spikes and has a restrictive grazing-withholding period. We recommend using this when targeting small, button-sized weeds.
$ Competitively priced generic option.
Hammer/Nail (Carfentrazone)
The next Group 14 release was a major step up in marshmallow control compared to Striker. Carfentrazone is good on most difficult to control broadleaf weeds, but care needs to be taken when spraying during warm summer days, as it can burn the weeds too quickly. It’s also an attractive option in situations where short-grazing withholding is required (note that only FMC’s Hammer has a nil grazing withholding; other carfentrazone products have 14-day withholding or otherwise specified).
$ A well-priced good spike for most situations.
Sledge (Pyraflufen)
Originally premixed in a product called Pyresta. Sipcam saw value in the product as a standalone spike, allowing us to adjust mix partners. A broadleaf specialist with excellent control of wireweed and other tough-to-control weeds. Due to a slightly slower burn down, it can be used during the summer months without a loss in efficacy and doesn’t require the addition of a penetrative oil (Hasten) like Sharpen, Terrador or Valor. Also great knockdown option.
$$ More premium product, but has a great fit.
Valor/Terrain (Fumioxazin)
A very similar spike to Hammer with similar efficacy on weeds. Look to use over Hammer where clover/medic is more of a target weed. Possible options for use on fence lines at high rates for season-long control.
$
Sharpen (Saflufenacil)
The marshmallow expert – Sharpen provides a very quick burndown of large broadleaf weeds with great control of Capeweed, Prickly Lettuce and Fleabane. You may have used this spike with paraquat, but when spiked with glyphosate, it delivers excellent control across a broad range of weeds. A good option if we have an early break and we have big weeds to target.
$$$
Voraxor (Saflufenacil & Trifludomoxazin)
Released for the 2021 season. This new product offers multiple application rates for different uses, such as knockdown and pre-emergent. Voraxor offers residual control of a wide range of grass and broadleaf weeds. The high rate can provide control for 8 to 12 weeks; however, you will need to consider plant backs when used over the summer. For summer spraying, in most situations, the 100ml rate will suffice, great used in a double knock for fleabane.
$$$$ A premium to other products, but may be useful in tough fleabane situations.
Terrador (Tiafenacil)
Terrad’or is a well-priced knockdown spike able to bring down bigger weeds with very quick brownout. In our view, equal to Sharpen on most weeds, if not better, as the top choice for group G. Care needs to be taken, however, as during the warmest months, when the weeds start to struggle, as Terrad’or works too well and the weeds may burn off quickly and reshoot. Use with 1% Hasten, our go-to option for summer spraying pre-Christmas and with knockdown and pre-em brews before sowing (but watch canola plantback).
$$ Well-priced, useful knockdown spike.
Please note that these herbicides are spikes and should be used with glyphosate or other non-selective herbicides for best control.
Also, ensure the correct adjuvant is used, as different spikes will require different adjuvant types. There are also slight differences for plant-backs to different crops for each spike.
For more information, feel free to contact a team member.
