Manage cleavers through the whole rotation

While cleavers are a bigger issue in canola, given the competitiveness of the weed and the grade loss from weed seeds in the sample, growers have more options to effectively control cleavers in cereal crops. Effective cleavers management is best done with a whole rotation approach. (Consult your provincial guide to weed control for registered herbicides that control cleavers in cereals. Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta)

If that has not happened and cleavers need management in the canola year, target them with a higher rate of glyphosate in the pre-seed window. One litre (360 gae) of glyphosate per acre will be more effective than the common half-litre rate. The 1.5-litre (540 gae) rate may be required to control overwintered cleavers. For post emergence applications in canola specifically, no herbicide tankmixes are registered to enhance cleavers control.

Dig up a few. Cleavers with large established roots are probably winter annuals and will need a higher rate. If roots are small and look like they germinated in the spring, a lower recommended rate may be enough.