African Lovegrass East Gippsland

The right chemical, applied accurately

Under an integrated strategy, herbicides are used strategically, not exclusively. Effective chemical control comes down to selecting the right product, timing it to the weed's growth cycle, and calibrating your gear so you apply the dose that kills the weed without waste or off-target damage.

Photo · to shoot

Flupropanate vs Glyphosate

The two most effective herbicides for ALG in Gippsland, absorbed differently, acting on different timelines, suited to different jobs. Often used together.

Flupropanate
Glyphosate
Primary action
Slow-acting, systemic and soil-residual.
Fast-acting, non-selective knockdown.
Absorption
Mainly through roots; needs rain to wash into the soil.
Through leaves and stems; plant must be actively growing.
Visible results
Very slow; complete die-off takes 3 to 18 months.
Quick; die-off typically within 1 to 4 weeks.
Selectivity
Can be selective; some desirable grasses recover after a setback.
Non-selective; kills most green, actively growing plants it contacts.
Soil residual
Active in soil for 1–2 seasons, killing germinating seedlings.
No residual; does not stop new seeds germinating.
Best timing
September–November, for uptake before seed set.
Any time the plant is green, actively growing and stress-free.
Key risks
Can "bare out" sandy soils; long-term residue concerns.
Creates bare patches that invite new weed germination.
Brand names
Tussock, Surefire Flupropanate, GP FluPro.
Roundup, Nufarm Glyphosate, Weedmaster Duo.

Finding the registered chemical list

Only chemicals registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) may be used on African Lovegrass in Victoria, and the list changes over time. For Gippsland, the most suited active constituents are glyphosate and flupropanate.

Always check the current registration and permits for your product and situation before you buy or apply.

Search the APVMA register
Important

Flupropanate is under review

It has been listed as a chemical prioritised for reconsideration over environmental, trade and human-health residue concerns. The review is scheduled for 2028.

Do not use flupropanate near waterways or on land grazed by lactating stock. Always read the label and any permits.

Know the withholding periods before you graze or cut

A withholding period (WHP) is the minimum time that must pass between treatment and grazing, cutting for stock food, slaughter or milking. WHPs are legally binding and product-specific; the figures below are typical for ALG control in Victoria, but always confirm against the withholding statements on your actual product label.

Flupropanate

Soil-residual · highly persistent
Grazing for stock feed14 d / 4 mo
Spot spraying: keep stock off the treated area for 14 days. Boom or wick (blanket) treatment: 4 months before grazing for feed.
Cutting for stock food14 d / 4 mo
Spot spraying: do not cut for stock feed for 14 days. Boom or wick (blanket) treatment: 4 months before cutting.
Slaughter (meat)14 days
Because flupropanate persists in the soil, do not slaughter stock for human consumption within 14 days of grazing any area ever treated. The above grazing withholding periods still apply to freshly treated areas.
Lactation (dairy / milk)Do not graze
Flupropanate is highly persistent and residues can carry into milk. Do not graze lactating dairy stock on treated pasture; keep dairy animals off treated areas entirely.

Glyphosate

Foliar knockdown · non-residual
Grazing for stock feedNil – 7 d
Most labels set no grazing WHP; a 1–7 day delay is recommended so the herbicide fully translocates before stock graze.
Cutting for stock food7 days
Some formulations require 7 days before cutting treated material for stock food. Confirm on the label.
Slaughter (meat)Nil
No slaughter (ESI) withholding on registered glyphosate products used for ALG. Confirm on your product label.
Lactation (dairy / milk)Nil
No milk withholding on most registered glyphosate products. Confirm on your product label.

Calibrate before you spray

Over-application of flupropanate causes 'brown-out'; under-application leads to poor die-off and resistance. A consistent pace and correct mix are everything.

Spot spray

Equipment
Handgun or backpack sprayerClean waterMeasuring jugMarked 10 m² test areaChemical + marker dye
Steps
1
Measure your flow
Time how long it takes to spray exactly 1 litre of water into a measuring jug at your normal pressure.
2
Practice your pace
Spray that same 1 litre evenly over a marked 10 m² area (5 m × 2 m) in the same time, a rate of 1 L per 10 m² (1000 L/ha).
3
Calculate the mix
Divide the label rate per hectare by 1000 to get chemical per litre of water, then multiply by your tank volume.
4
Add dye and treat
Add a coloured marker dye, then spray each plant’s stem, leaves and base to the point of run-off, working outlier plants first.
Worked example
Your gun applies 1 L per 10 m² (= 1000 L/ha). At a 2 L/ha label rate: 2 ÷ 1000 = 2 ml chemical per litre. For a 50 L tank → add 100 ml chemical + dye and top up to 50 L.

Boom spray

Equipment
Boom sprayerClean waterTape measure (100 m)StopwatchMeasuring jugChemical
Steps
1
Measure output
Catch one nozzle for a minute, × the number of nozzles = total L/min.
2
Effective spray width
Distance between two nozzles × the number of nozzles.
3
Actual ground speed
Time how long it takes to drive a marked 100 m at a realistic speed.
4
Application rate
Combine output, width and speed to get the rate in L/ha.
5
Total mix required
Multiply L/ha by the hectares to be treated.
Worked example
Output 12 L/min · boom width 6 m · speed 8 km/h (133 m/min). Sprayed area = 6 × 133 = 800 m²/min (0.08 ha). Water rate = 12 ÷ 0.08 = 150 L/ha. For 4 ha at 2 L/ha → 8 L chemical in 600 L water.
To prevent resistance, rotate chemical modes of action, never rely on chemicals alone, and always follow the label. If in doubt, consult an agronomist. Spray calibration fact sheet →