Clipper Herbicide is a fast-acting, non-selective, contact herbicide primarily used for controlling invasive and nuisance aquatic plants. It is effective on a broad spectrum of submerged, floating, and emergent aquatic weeds, as well as some types of algae.
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient in Clipper is flumioxazin, a PPO (protoporphyrinogen oxidase) inhibitor.
This mechanism disrupts chlorophyll production in plants, causing them to die quickly after application. It does not translocate or move within the plant, so it won’t affect roots or parts of the plant that aren’t directly exposed to the herbicide.
Where To Use It
This herbicide is designed primarily for aquatic weed management but has additional uses in terrestrial settings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of where you can apply this herbicide:
Aquatic Applications – Types of Water Bodies:
- Ponds (ornamental and recreational)
- Lakes
- Reservoirs
- Canals (irrigation canals included)
- Ditches
- Marshes
- Wetlands
- Water Uses – Suitable for areas with water used for irrigation, recreation, or wildlife habitats.
Non-Aquatic Applications – Terrestrial Non-Crop Areas:
- Industrial sites
- Roadsides
- Utility rights-of-way
- Fence rows
When is the best time to spray it?
To achieve the most effective results when applying Clipper Herbicide, consider the following factors:
- Season: Apply early in the growing season when weeds are small and actively growing. This ensures the herbicide targets the weeds before they establish dense vegetation or surface mats.
- Time of Day: Early morning is ideal for application. During this time, photosynthesis is minimal, and water pH levels are generally lower, improving the herbicide’s effectiveness. Avoid applying during midday when water pH levels can rise above 8.5 due to photosynthesis, which can reduce herbicide efficacy.
- Wind Conditions: Apply on calm days with minimal wind (less than 10 mph) to avoid drift and ensure the herbicide is evenly distributed in the target area. Avoid applying during windy conditions, which can disperse the herbicide to unintended areas.
- Temperature: The optimal application temperature is between 50°F and 85°F (10°C and 29°C). Avoid applying during extremely hot weather, as higher temperatures may stress the plants, making them less susceptible to the herbicide.
Weeds Controlled
This herbicide effectively manages a range of floating and emergent weeds, as well as submersed species.
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Alligator Weed | Alternanthera philoxeroides |
| Duckweed | Lemna spp. |
| Frog’s-bit | Limnobium spongia |
| Water Fern | Salvinia spp. |
| Water Lettuce | Pistia stratiotes |
| Watermeal | Wolffia spp. |
| Water Pennywort | Hydrocotyle spp. |
| Filamentous Algae | Pithophora |
| Filamentous Algae | Cladophora |
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Coontail | Ceratophyllum demersum |
| Duckweed | Lemna spp. |
| Fanwort | Cabomba caroliniana |
| Hydrilla | Hydrilla verticillata |
| Hygrophila | Hygrophila polysperma |
| Naiad, Southern | Najas guadalupensis |
| Pondweed, Curlyleaf | Potamogeton crispus |
| Pondweed, Sago | Potamogeton pectinatus |
| Pondweed, Variable-Leaf | Potamogeton diversifolius |
| Water Fern | Salvinia spp. |
| Water Lettuce | Pistia stratiotes |
| Watermeal | Wolffia spp. |
| Watermilfoil, Eurasian | Myriophyllum spicatum |
| Watermilfoil, Variable-Leaf | Myriophyllum heterophyllum |
Mix Ratio
For surface application, use 6 to 12 ounces of Clipper herbicide per acre with a minimum of 30 gallons of water per acre.
For subsurface application, use the herbicide at a concentration of 200 to 400 ppb based on water volume and weed density. Use at least 30 gallons of water per acre to ensure good coverage.
Mixing Instructions
Proper mixing and application are essential for the effective use of this herbicide.
The steps below outline how to mix Clipper Herbicide, use additives, and test for compatibility to prevent application issues.
- Prepare the water. You have to use water that has a pH between 5 and 7. If the pH is higher than 7, try to add a buffer to adjust it to the desired range.
- Fill in the spray tank. After preparing the water, begin by filling a clean spray tank halfway. If necessary, add a buffering agent to adjust the pH.
- Add the herbicide. This is the step where you add the herbicide. Start agitating, and then slowly add the required amount of herbicide to the spray tank.
- Complete the rest of the filling. Fill the spray tank to the desired level with water, ensuring the herbicide is thoroughly mixed. Keep the solution agitated continuously until fully applied.
Prepare only what you need. Mix only as much spray solution as you can use on the same day.
Apply the solution within 12 hours of mixing.
Clipper herbicide and Additives
In some cases, this aquatic herbicide can be combined with additives to enhance its effectiveness in killing weeds.
- When using Clipper Herbicide on the leaves of floating or emerged aquatic weeds, mix it with an adjuvant approved for aquatic use.
- Choose an adjuvant certified by the Chemical Producers and Distributors Association.
- Use a non-ionic surfactant with at least 80% active ingredients and follow the adjuvant label’s instructions for proper mixing rates.
But, before applying, check if the mixture is compatible by performing a jar test.
Jar Test Instructions for Compatibility
- Prepare the jar. Add 1 pint of water to a quart jar, using water from the same source and at the same temperature as the spray tank water.
- Add the herbicide. For an 8 oz/A rate, add 3 grams (1 level teaspoon). For a 12 oz/A rate, add 4 grams (1.5 teaspoons). Mix gently until the herbicide disperses.
- Add the adjuvant. Add 60 ml (4 tablespoons or 2 fluid ounces) of the adjuvant to the jar and mix gently.
- Test the Mixture. Close the jar, invert it 10 times, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Evaluate Compatibility. A good mix will be uniform and free of particles.
If you notice an oil layer, flocculation (fine particles suspended or settled at the bottom), or thickening (gel-like texture), reconsider the adjuvant.
How to Apply It
This herbicide can be applied using either a surface or subsurface application method, depending on the type of weed you want to control. Each application method is suited to specific situations and weed types. Let’s explore when and how to use each method:
Surface Application
This application method can be used for all the weeds listed in Table 1.
Proper coverage is critical, as floating weeds must be exposed to a lethal concentration throughout the entire treated area.
Untreated weeds or reintroduced plants may grow back in previously treated areas. If retreatment is necessary, apply the herbicide as soon as regrowth is observed, ensuring at least 28 days have passed since the previous application.
Applying the herbicide in the early morning can improve its effectiveness.
When dealing with dense, actively growing weeds, ensure thorough coverage. Rapid weed decay caused by the herbicide can reduce oxygen levels in the water, potentially leading to fish suffocation. To prevent this, treat dense areas of floating weeds in sections to avoid a sudden drop in dissolved oxygen.
For enhanced control of floating and emergent weeds, this herbicide can be mixed with other foliar-applied herbicides such as 2,4-D, diquat, or glyphosate.
Always check the manufacturer’s label for specific rates and restrictions for each product in the tank mix.
Subsurface Application
This application method can be used for all the weeds listed in Table 2.
Using subsurface trailing hoses to distribute the herbicide within the weed beds improves both the effectiveness and the duration of control. This herbicide is quickly absorbed by the targeted plants but also breaks down rapidly in water with a pH above 8.5.
Since photosynthesis in submersed vegetation can raise water pH to above 8.5 by midday, applying the herbicide during these conditions may lead to partial control, with weeds likely regrowing.
For optimal results, apply it in the early morning when weeds are actively growing and early in the season before surface matting occurs.
Use higher concentrations when weeds are dense, mature, or have formed surface mats. Untreated weeds left in the water can spread and re-infest areas previously treated.
If a second treatment is necessary, apply when regrowth is first observed, but wait at least 28 days after the previous application.
The following table helps you calculate the required amount of herbicide based on water depth:
| Water Depth (feet) | Pounds of Clipper Herbicide required per surface acre to achieve the desired water concentration | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 ppb | 300 ppb | 400 ppb | |
| 1 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 2.1 |
| 2 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 4.2 |
| 3 | 3.2 | 4.8 | 6.4 |
| 4 | 4.2 | 6.4 | 8.5 |
| 5 | 5.3 | 8.0 | 10.6 |
| 6 | 6.4 | 9.5 | 12.7 |
| 7 | 7.4 | 11.1 | 14.8 |
When treating dense, actively growing submersed weeds, rapid decay caused by the herbicide can lower oxygen levels in the water, potentially suffocating fish.
To prevent this, treat dense areas in sections to avoid a sudden drop in dissolved oxygen.
For improved control of submersed and floating weeds, the herbicide can be mixed with other herbicides approved for subsurface application. Always ensure compatibility and follow the safety guidelines for all products in the tank mix.
Ressitance Management
This herbicide belongs to Group 14 herbicides.
Some weeds in a population might already be resistant to it or may develop resistance over time. If Group 14 herbicides are used repeatedly in the same water body or over several years as the main control method, resistant weeds may become more common.
This can lead to reduced or complete loss of control over these weed species when using Group 14 herbicides. To slow down or prevent herbicide resistance, consider these tips:
- Avoid repeated use: Do not use Clipper Herbicide or similar Group 14 herbicides consecutively.
- Rotate herbicides: Use different types of herbicides for managing aquatic weeds.
- Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach: Plan your weed control based on a comprehensive IPM strategy.
- Monitor results: Watch the treated weed population for signs that the herbicide is becoming less effective.
- Seek expert advice: Consult local extension specialists, aquatic management experts, or the manufacturer for guidance on resistance management and weed control strategies.
These steps can help maintain the effectiveness of Clipper Herbicide and other weed control methods.
Restrictions
It has specific usage restrictions that must be considered when deciding to use this herbicide. These guidelines should be carefully followed to meet regulatory requirements and ensure effective results.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Do not apply the herbicide to intertidal or estuarine areas.
- No Holding Restrictions: There are no restrictions on using treated water for drinking, swimming, or fishing after application.
- Prohibited Uses: Do not apply it in water used for crawfish farming.
Irrigation Restrictions
- Treated water must not be used for irrigating food crops until at least five days after application.
- Water from treated areas may be used for turf and ornamental plants according to the irrigation restrictions specified on the product label.
- A single section of water should not be treated with Clipper Herbicide more than six times in one year.
| Application Method | Application Rate | Water Depth | Turf and Landscape Ornamentals | Ornamentals Grown for Production in Greenhouse and Nursery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Spray | 6 to 12 oz per surface acre | Greater than 3 feet | None | 5 days |
| Less than 3 feet | 12 hours | 5 days | ||
| Subsurface | Less than 200 ppb | N/A | 1 day | 5 days |
| 200 to 300 ppb | N/A | 2 days | 5 days | |
| 300 to 400 ppb | N/A | 3 days | 5 days |
Contents
