Note: This article was last updated March 2026

What Can We Use Instead of Banvine(1)?

Quick answer: Banvine(1) contained 200g/L 2,4-D and 100g/L dicamba. The closest ready-mixed alternative from Rainbow & Brown is LawnMate. A lower-cost option is to use individual herbicides such as WHACK – 2,4-D 800 and Rainbow & Brown Dicamba 500 SL, but any rate comparisons below are theoretical active-ingredient comparisons only and not an on-label tank-mix recommendation.

  • Closest ready-to-use option: LawnMate (when used in home and garden. Not for use on crops or pasture)
  • Most cost-effective option: Mixing 2,4-D and dicamba separately
  • Important: Always follow product labels and trial any approach on a small area first

On this page:

We frequently get asked by people who have used Banvine(1) in the past what we would recommend as an alternative.

Banvine(1) was commonly used for broadleaf weed control in lawns, turf and waste areas. If you are looking for a similar outcome, there are a couple of practical options depending on whether you want convenience or the lowest possible cost.

What Banvine contains

Banvine(1) contained two hormone-type herbicides:

  • 200g/L 2,4-D (amine)
  • 100g/L dicamba

This combination was widely used for controlling many common broadleaf weeds.

Option 1 – LawnMate (Premixed Herbicide)

LawnMate is a pre-mixed herbicide containing a combination of 2,4-D and dicamba, similar to Banvine(1).

This eliminates the need for mixing individual products and offers a convenient solution for broadleaf weed control in lawns, turf and waste areas.

Important: LawnMate is not approved for use on cropland or pasture.

Application rate:

  • 75–110ml in 10L of water per 250m²
  • 3–4.5L/ha when boom spraying

Option 2 – Mixing your own herbicide

If you are comfortable mixing your own herbicides, a lower-cost option exists.

Rainbow & Brown offer:

These can be compared with Banvine(1) on an active-ingredient basis.

Note: Any mixed product should be used immediately.

Comparing rates

To keep things simple, let’s use a Banvine(1) example of 100ml in 10L of water.

At that rate, Banvine(1) delivers:

  • 20g of 2,4-D active
  • 10g of dicamba active

On a straight active-ingredient basis, the theoretical equivalent using Rainbow & Brown products would be:

However, it is important to separate theoretical active matching from actual on-label use rates.

For WHACK – 2,4-D 800, our labelled spot-treatment rates are:

  • Knapsack: 50g per 10L water
  • High volume spot treatment: 500g per 100L water (equivalent to 50g per 10L)

So while 25g per 10L is the theoretical 2,4-D active match to Banvine(1), our actual WHACK label rate for knapsack and high-volume spot spraying is 50g per 10L.

Boom spraying

If Banvine(1) is used at 4L/ha, the theoretical equivalent rates would be:

These figures are theoretical active-equivalent comparisons only and should not be treated as an on-label recommendation.

Cost comparison

To give an idea of the price difference, based on 5L / 5kg packs and using the higher theoretical equivalent rates, the estimated cost to spray 10 hectares would be:

Option Pack price basis Estimated cost per 10ha
Banvine(1) Last known price: $326.95 + GST per 5L $2,615.60 + GST
LawnMate $82.61 + GST per 5L
as at 11 March 2026		 $660.88 + GST
DIY Mix
WHACK – 2,4-D 800 + Dicamba 500 SL		 WHACK – 2,4-D 800: $100.00 + GST per 5kg
Dicamba 500 SL: $184.00 + GST per 5L
as at 11 March 2026		 $494.40 + GST

In short: LawnMate gives you a convenient ready-mixed option that is still far cheaper than the last known Banvine(1) price, while mixing individual herbicides remains the lowest-cost approach.

LawnMate will suit people who want simplicity and no measuring of separate actives. The DIY mix will suit those comfortable mixing products and chasing the lowest cost per hectare.

Important notes

  • The rates above used to compare WHACK – 2,4-D 800 and Dicamba 500 SL with Banvine(1) are theoretical active-ingredient equivalents unless otherwise stated.
  • They are provided as a comparison only and are not an on-label recommendation for tank mixing products.
  • LawnMate is not approved for use on cropland or pasture.
  • If trying to replace Banvine(1) by using individual herbicides, conduct a small trial first to confirm suitability under your conditions and that the result meets your expectations.
  • Always follow product labels and local regulations.

FAQs

What is the closest Rainbow & Brown alternative to Banvine(1)?

LawnMate is the closest ready-mixed alternative, as it contains the same style of 2,4-D plus dicamba combination for broadleaf weed control in lawns, turf and waste areas.

Can LawnMate be used on pasture?

No. LawnMate is for lawns, turf and waste areas and is not approved for cropland or pasture use.

Is mixing 2,4-D and dicamba cheaper?

In many situations, yes. Based on the figures above, the DIY mix is cheaper than LawnMate and substantially cheaper than the last known Banvine(1) price.

Why would someone choose LawnMate over the DIY mix?

LawnMate is simpler. It is pre-mixed, convenient, and avoids the need to measure and combine separate herbicides yourself.

Related products:

LawnMate • WHACK – 2,4-D 800 • Rainbow & Brown Dicamba 500 SL

Banvine is a registered tradename of Corteva Agriscience LLC. Rainbow & Brown Ltd are in no way connected with Corteva Agriscience LLC and the information provided above is provided in good faith and to the best of our knowledge.

WHACK – 2,4-D 800 is Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, P10296. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. Approved under the HSNO Act 1996, HSR100573. See www.epa.govt.nz for approval controls.

Rainbow & Brown Dicamba 500 SL is Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No P9919. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. Approved pursuant to HSNO Act 1996, HSR000442. See www.epa.govt.nz for approval conditions.

LawnMate is approved under the HSNO Act 1996, HSR000368. See www.epa.govt.nz for approval controls.