Ecoplug’s new formulation first choice for contractors

Contractors are reaping the benefits of a new formulation for Monsanto’s Ecoplug Max, now fully available from distributors.

Ecoplug Max is a patented tree stump control application method, originally developed in Sweden to deliver more efficient forestry clearance.

The unique plug acts as a delivery device for glyphosate into the tree or stump. Each plug contains 283mg of granular glyphosate which is released inside the tree stump ensuring all the active ingredient is carefully targeted where it is needed.

Glyphosate is translocated through the stump and down to the roots preventing new growth sprouting and leaving the stump to gradually rot away.

The unique design eliminates the risk of chemical spillage, and the application method reduces the risk of chemicals getting into water or potential overdosing.

With its new formulation, identified by MAPP 17581, Ecoplug Max is authorised by the Chemicals Regulation Division, (CRD), ‘for use in all situations, (stump).’

It can be used on tree stumps in forests or amenity vegetation and on land immediately adjacent to aquatic areas as well as stumps within the aquatic zones of rivers or lakes described by CRD as Open and Enclosed waters.

Under an Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) in standing trees, Ecoplug Max may also be used where felling is not possible, by inserting plugs from the side of standing trees and leaving them in situ.

This method is particularly useful for thinning, removal of invasive species, halo thinning and sanitation felling (for control of diseases), and felling where traditional logging methods are impractical or uneconomic.

Plugs are used in a similar method to stump control applications, but should be inserted from the side of the tree, evenly spaced around the trunk just above ground level.

Monsanto Technical Support Manager Manda Sansom comments: “The new formulation and EAMU opens up Ecoplug Max to a wider range of applications, giving land managers the opportunity to benefit from glyphosate’s efficiency in clearing trees in a convenient, clean and operator-friendly system.”

Leading national contractor Ground Control uses some 600,000 Ecoplugs per year, on contracts for utilities clients including Network Rail, Highways England and Western Power Distribution.

National training manager for Ground Control Neil Huck explains that the new formulation of Ecoplug has been specified by Network Rail for trackside work.

“There are many small drains or ditches near the track, so Ecoplug’s approval for aquatic and riparian use makes it ideal for controlling regrowth of tree stumps in these areas.”

Mr Huck comments that while Ecoplug is easy to use, Ground Control ensures that operators receive training for the City and Guilds PA6 Ecoplug qualification. “This improves the quality of the application and ensures that we get the best out of the product, by measuring the trunk and spacing the plugs correctly.”

With such a range of contracts and variety of weeds to treat, Ground Control keeps a number of products in its armoury, but Ecoplug has some obvious benefits, especially near water, he points out: “There’s no risk of run-off – liquid products take time to be absorbed and can get washed off if rain follows application, so Ecoplugs are safer and more effective.”

“It’s a controlled dose so it’s easier to get right and gives a neater and tidier finish,” he says, adding: ”Safety is a priority for us, both for the operator and bystanders, and by using Ecoplugs we are eliminating the risk of drift, too.”

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