Common dandelion is a perennial weed that occurs in no-till fields. Reproduction is by seed and sprouting from a thick, fleshy root or root segments. Dandelion stems do not elongate but produce a rosette of leaves.
All crops. Dandelion is most easily controlled in the fall with 2,4-D ester (1 quart/A) or combinations of 2,4-D ester (1 pint/A) with glyphosate (0.56 to 0.75 lbs ae/A). Apply when plants are at least 4 inches in diameter; best results occur when dandelion is in the early bud stage. These same treatments can be used in the spring prior to crop planting, however they are less consistent compared to fall treatment on well-established plants. Control of dandelion in the spring will improve as air temperature increases.
Corn. Preplant or preemergence application of 2,4-D ester plus either atrazine, Balance Pro, or glyphosate can be effective on dandelion, but effectiveness may vary with size of dandelions and temperature. A mixture of 2,4-D plus atrazine plus Gramoxone Max is effective and has more rapid activity than the previously mentioned treatments. Postemergence treatments containing 2,4-D ester, dicamba, Distinct, Marksman, Hornet, Liberty and Liberty ATZ (Liberty Link corn only) will control dandelion escaping preplant treatments.
Soybeans. In OSU research, the most effective preplant treatments are 2,4-D ester (1 to 2 pints/A) plus Gramoxone Max (1 .25 pts/A) plus either Canopy XL or Sencor. Canopy XL plus either 2,4-D ester or Gramoxone Max can also be effective. Glyphosate plus 2,4-D ester can also control dandelion, but activity is often slow on large plants under cold temperatures. Postemergence application of Classic (3/4 ounce/A) or Synchrony STS (1/2 ounce/A) will suppress dandelion plants that escape preplant treatment. Postmergence application of glyphosate (Roundup Ready soybeans) will control seedling dandelion and plants that have been suppressed with preplant herbicides, especially in drilled soybeans.
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Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
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