GRASSMATE XTRA

• Farms and lifestyle blocks with mixed brushweed problems: gorse, blackberry, broom or combinations
• Pasture paddocks with persistent broadleaf weeds including Californian thistle, ragwort or docks where the root system needs to be targeted
• Hand gun spot spraying of individual plants and patches
• Knapsack application for smaller areas and scattered plants
• Aerial application on large areas of gorse, blackberry or broom
• Stump swabbing for barberry, hawthorn, old man's beard, woolly nightshade, wattle, willow and other brushweeds after cutting
• Stem cut-and-inject treatment for woolly nightshade
• Contractors treating client properties with mixed weed pressure across multiple species

Not sure exactly what weed you're dealing with? Correct identification is the first step to getting good control.

Browse the Rainbow & Brown Weed File library to view photos of common New Zealand weeds and learn the best control options for each species.

Our Weed File covers problem weeds commonly found in pasture and on lifestyle blocks, including gorse, blackberry, Californian thistle, ragwort, docks and more, helping you match the right product to the right weed before you spray.

Tip: Timing matters as much as product choice. Check the Weed File for the best control window for your target weed.

GrassMate XTRA contains three active ingredients from the pyridine carboxylic acid group (Group 4 herbicide). Each active contributes to the overall result, and together they cover a broader range of weed types and plant structures than any single active alone.

Triclopyr (300g/L) is a systemic broadleaf herbicide that moves through the plant after absorption through leaves and stems. It mimics natural plant growth hormones, causing uncontrolled growth responses that disrupt the plant's normal function. It's well established for brushweed control, particularly effective on gorse, blackberry, broom and other woody species, and also contributes to control of many broadleaf pasture weeds.

Picloram (100g/L) is absorbed through both foliage and roots and translocates throughout the plant, including into the root system. It adds persistence and depth of action, particularly on established plants with extensive root networks.

Aminopyralid (8g/L) is highly active against specific broadleaf species, particularly those in the Asteraceae family, which includes Californian thistle and ragwort. It's taken up through foliage and roots and moves systemically through the plant, reaching root buds and helping to reduce regrowth from established root systems. This makes it a valuable addition when Californian thistle is a significant problem.

Grasses tolerate these actives well, which is why GrassMate XTRA can be used in grass/clover pasture for spot application. Legumes including clovers are susceptible and will be affected, so always check the label for clover re-establishment guidance after treatment.

On waxy-surfaced targets like mature gorse, the addition of an organomodified silicone penetrant such as SuperWetter is recommended to improve coverage and uptake, particularly when plants are dormant, stressed, or growing in difficult conditions. See Technical Details for specific guidance.

Active Ingredients

• 300g/L Triclopyr as the butoxyethyl ester
• 100g/L Picloram as the hexyloxypropylamine salt
• 8g/L Aminopyralid as the hexyloxypropylamine salt
• Formulation: emulsifiable concentrate
• Herbicide Group: 4 (pyridine carboxylic acid)

Application Methods

• Ground sprayer (boom or hand gun), knapsack, mistblower, aerial, stump swab, stem cut-and-inject
• Compatible with most commonly used herbicides
• Maintain agitation during spraying
• Mix only sufficient solution for immediate use. Do not store mixed product.

SuperWetter Recommendation

• Recommended for gorse when plants are dormant, stressed, slashed or grazed, or in hot, dry, dusty, frosty or salty conditions
• Recommended for aerial application on gorse to minimise variability
• Recommended for woolly nightshade to ensure good coverage
• Add at 100mL/100L spray mix for ground application on gorse; 2L/ha for aerial

Withholding Periods

• Meat: Nil WHP for animals grazing after 7 days from application. Animals grazing within 7 days of application must be grazed for at least 4 days on untreated pasture before slaughter.
• Milk: Do not allow milking livestock to graze treated areas within 3 days of application.
• Cutting for animal feed: Do not cut for 7 days after application.

Animal Safety Note

• Grazing immediately after application is safe for animals
• Poisonous plants including inkweed, ragwort and tutu may become more palatable after spraying. If stock health may be affected, keep stock away from treated areas until plants have died down.

Clover Re-establishment

• Picloram and aminopyralid are injurious to legumes and residues may persist in the soil after treatment
• It's recommended to test-sow a small area with clover 1 to 2 months before planned resowing to check for harmful residues
• Residue persistence varies with soil type, climate and application rate

Environmental Restrictions

• DO NOT use on turf
• DO NOT contaminate waterways, drains or irrigation channels
• DO NOT apply where runoff may reach areas planted with susceptible species
• DO NOT use hay or plant material treated within 10 weeks for compost or mulching susceptible crops

Registration

• Registered under the ACVM Act 1997, No. P10476
• Approved under the HSNO Act 1996, HSR007630

Always refer to the product label for full application rates, timing and directions. The SDS is available on the Rainbow & Brown website.

What's the difference between GrassMate XTRA and standard GrassMate?

Standard GrassMate contains triclopyr and picloram and is a proven, systemic brushweed herbicide. It translocates through the plant and provides effective control of gorse, blackberry, broom and other brushweeds. GrassMate XTRA adds a third active, aminopyralid, to that formulation. Aminopyralid is particularly active against species like Californian thistle and ragwort, targeting root buds to help reduce regrowth from established root systems. If Californian thistle is a significant problem on your property, GrassMate XTRA is worth considering for that reason specifically.

Is GrassMate XTRA safe to use in grass/clover pasture?

For spot application, yes. GrassMate XTRA is registered for use in grass/clover pasture. Grasses tolerate the active ingredients well. However, legumes including clovers and lucerne are susceptible and will be affected in treated areas, particularly on broadcast applications. If clover content in your pasture is important, consider your application method carefully and refer to the label for clover re-establishment guidance.

Do I need to add SuperWetter?

It depends on the target and conditions. For gorse during active growth in spring and early summer, GrassMate XTRA can be applied without a penetrant. Where gorse is dormant, stressed, slashed or grazed, or in hot, dry, dusty, frosty or salty conditions, adding SuperWetter at 100mL/100L is recommended. For aerial application on gorse, adding SuperWetter at 2L/ha helps minimise variability. It's also recommended for woolly nightshade. If in doubt, adding SuperWetter is a low-cost way to improve coverage on waxy or difficult targets.

When is the best time to spray gorse and blackberry?

Gorse is best treated during active growth from spring through early summer, when it's actively taking up product. Blackberry is best treated in summer and autumn during active growth. Applications during dormancy or stress periods are generally less effective, which is why the penetrant recommendation exists for those conditions. Refer to the product label for full timing guidance on each species.

Can I use GrassMate XTRA around horses?

GrassMate XTRA can be used in pasture grazed by horses, but there are important considerations. Poisonous plants including ragwort may become more palatable after spraying, which is a particular risk for horses. If ragwort is present, keep horses out of treated areas until plants have fully died down. The meat withholding period is nil after 7 days; do not allow milking animals to graze treated areas within 3 days of application. If you're unsure, give us a call before you spray.

Can I use this product on turf or lawn areas?

No. GrassMate XTRA must not be used on turf. It's registered for pasture and brushweed situations only. For broadleaf weed control in lawns and turf, see LawnMate.

Always read and follow label directions before use. The product label is the definitive source for application rates, timing, withholding periods and safety requirements.

When mixing and applying GrassMate XTRA, wear chemical-resistant coveralls, respiratory protection (organic vapour minimum), eye protection, gloves and footwear.

GrassMate XTRA is a combustible liquid. Keep away from sources of ignition. Very toxic to aquatic plants. Do not contaminate waterways, drains or irrigation channels.

This product must be under the control of an appropriately trained and experienced person during storage, use and disposal. Refer to the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 for guidance.

Dispose of empty containers through Agrecovery (0800 247 326). Triple-rinse before disposal.

The Safety Data Sheet for GrassMate XTRA is available on the Rainbow & Brown website.