Thistles galore

With the drought leaving open pastures and the days being warm (till just recently), it has been optune thistle growing environment.  Our troublesome thistles include nodding, scotch and california predominantly.

We have a policy here to spray (when able) in the winter when the thistle plants are small on a biennial basis.  We do this with a helicopter  (http://www.heliworxwaikato.co.nz/index.html) and today happens to be that day. 

This mornings regime consisted of a stroll outside before 5am to see if there is any wind and await the pilots call at 5am.  This morning there was no breeze about the house so set the wheels in motion.  Then at 6am, another call from the pilot to check the tops, so off I headed decked out in warm clothing to the top yards on the ATV where a slight SE wind was detected, but we decided to give it a go.

7am the ground crew arrived, whilst the pilot had to wait for daylight to set off and arrived just after 7.30am.  First off we got to have a joy-ride, which is hardly that for someone who doesn't like heights.  With map in hand, we flew around all the main thistle areas targeting stock access ways, key grazing areas with high thistle populations.  I took my camera but was so encrossed in the blocks and pointing out the key areas that for a large part I forgot to use it!

Back at paddock site, the chopper was filled, and set off for his spraying run (8 ha at a time). We had completed 32 ha when the wind started to get up, so we temporarily called it quits. Managed a second flight up with a focus on taking more photos and Mal got to come this time, whilst the tanks were washed. 


Heliworx filling up with first load

Heliworx chopper heading off with first load

View from Woodleigh Road north

View from back country looking south-east

 


Te Herehere Falls

 The thistle germinates in autumn and forms a rosette during winter, which bodes well for a plant to produce flowers (which we don't want).  The open pastures formed by the drought are key areas for the thistle to make themselves at home, with nodding thistles germinating within the two months after a drought (which broke mid-April, meaning most should have germinated by now).  Therefore, spraying after the drought should have an economic benefit.

The reason we focus on removing the key thistle patches is that when thick, especially in key grazing areas they can reduce the growth rate of stock by the lack of pasture able to be consumed and in some instances can cause scabby mouth.  The other main reason is for stock movement which can be limited especially around tracks and gateways.

Spraying now when the thistle plants are small, also coincides with clover not being active, causing less damage.

If you want further information on weeds, check out the PestWebNZ (http://www.pestweb.co.nz/index.php). You can register to get regular updates. 

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