From labels and weed guides
Best herbicides for russian thistle in alfalfa
For russian thistle in alfalfa, the weed guides list 6 active-ingredient groups rated good or excellent, after checking that the products are labeled for alfalfa.
Russian Thistle control in alfalfa
Every listed product is labeled for alfalfa. Ratings are shown when each weed guide that rates this weed stays at good or excellent for the active-ingredient group. If a guide gives a range, the weaker end of the range has to be good or excellent.
Based on 1 weed guide, 6 active-ingredient groups are rated good or excellent for russian thistle in alfalfa.
| Example product | Active ingredients | MOA group | Ratings checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actylis Metribuzin EPA 2749-660; same active ingredients on 29 other branded products | metribuzin | 5 | ND Weed Guide 2026: G-E (PDF) |
| Bonedry EPA 82557-1; same active ingredients on 13 other branded products | paraquat | 22 | ND Weed Guide 2026: E (PDF) |
| Abigor EPA 34704-1174; same active ingredients on 8 other branded products | imazamox | 2 | ND Weed Guide 2026: G-Ea (PDF) |
| Broclean EPA 34704-891; same active ingredients on 5 other branded products | bromoxynil | 6 | ND Weed Guide 2026: E (PDF) |
| Basagran 5L EPA 7969-112 | bentazon | 6 | ND Weed Guide 2026: G (PDF) |
| Sharpen EPA 7969-278 | saflufenacil | 14 | ND Weed Guide 2026: E (PDF) |
Rating legend: E=excellent, G=good, F=fair, P=poor, N=no control. A range such as G-E means the guide gives a range; 'a' after a rating (e.g., Ga) means the guide assumes its recommended additive.
Build the full program
Check crop, timing, state, resistance, and rotation in one plan before you make a recommendation.
Sources
Data from current labels and weed guides. Last source update: 2026-07-14.