Dupont receives EPA registration for pastora herbicide

Cattle and commercial hay producers have an effective new tool to control problem grasses in Bermuda grass pastures and hay meadows: DuPont Pastora herbicide.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted DuPont federal registration approval for Pastora, a new herbicide that provides selective control of problem broadleaf and grass weeds with no grazing restrictions.

"Weeds are responsible for significant reductions in hay crop quality and profitability, as well as long-term negative effects on livestock that graze Bermuda grass pastures," said John Chrosniak, regional director, North America, DuPont Crop Protection. "Pastora will help clear problem weeds for visibly cleaner Bermuda grass, better grass and hay quality, and, ultimately, better protection of bottom-line profits."

Pastora provides postemergence control of field sandbur and johnsongrass, which reduce quality and profitability of commercial hay production in Bermuda grass pastures and hay meadows. Pastora also delivers long-lasting postemergence control of broadleaf weeds, including common broomweed, buttercup and musk thistle. In field trials, Pastora controlled more than 25 grass weeds and 100 broadleaf weeds.

Forage and pasture experts consider effective weed control an essential part of an overall pasture management program that includes good soil fertility; adequate moisture, insect and rodent control; grazing/haying management; and other agronomic practices to optimize Bermuda grass growth.