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Sclerotinia minor (strain IMI 344141)

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The herbicide whose active ingredient is Sclerotinia minor represses the top growth of common plantain (Plantago major)
Photo: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Édith Smeesters)
Plantago major

Caution
The information below is intended only as a guide. Always read product labels carefully.

Product description

The herbicide whose active ingredient is Sclerotinia minor (strain IMI 344141) is created from a natural living fungus.

This herbicide is used in lawns to repress certain broadleaved weeds.

This product is sold in ready-to-use granular form.

Target plants

The herbicide whose active ingredient is Sclerotinia minor represses the top growth of the following undesirable plants:

  • Common plantain (Plantago major)
  • Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Caution: This herbicide kills white clover (Trifolium repens).

NB: The product label lists the plants on which the pesticide may be used, along with the target organisms. 

How it works

The fungus infects vulnerable plants and destroys the plant’s top growth. The main toxic component of the herbicide effect appears to be oxalic acid. The fungus disappears when the top growths are destroyed.

Application

The herbicide is applied to the crown of undesirable plants using an applicator that is specially designed to spread the product. To preserve the unused dose, store in a cool dark place. For best results, use this product within 14 days of purchase.

The product should be applied when the hottest temperatures of the day reach between 18 and 24°C. Water the lawn if no rain is expected in the 12 hours following application. It usually takes five to seven days for the fungus to eliminate the targeted plants.

Although you can walk on the lawn after the treatment, it is recommended to wait three days before mowing or using it more intensively.

Precautions

This product must not come into contact with ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables, as it can damage several broadleaved plant species.

Wearing gloves and long clothing is recommended when applying this product. Do not inhale the dust. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Carefully wash your hands after handling, and remove contaminated clothing and wash them before wearing them again.

Do not apply this product close to a body of water, watercourse or wetland. Moreover, avoid contaminating the water of these habitats and sewers by disposing of the excess pesticide or rinsing the application equipment there.

During the first few weeks following application, avoid grass clippings escaping from the lawn mower from coming into contact with damp habitats. Use the same precautions to ensure you do not contaminate plants that are not targeted.

Keep this product out of the reach of children.