spotlight control

Rates and timings

“In fact, we can now see that you would be better off focusing on rates and timings that get good control of those early germinating weeds – accepting that the smaller number of later germinating weeds may well come into the field.

Conducted in association with Syngenta, the trials reinforce the role of Axial Pro in early grass weed control. Overall, the strategy should be to get that maximum efficacy on early emerging weeds, says Mr Cussans.

Even with changing grass weed species and differing biology, farmers still need to really focus on making sure they get the best possible control of those individual weeds germinating alongside the crop in the autumn.

Tank mixes

Syngenta field technical manag er Pete Hawkins says the advice from the trial for Axial Pro ap plication this season is to target ryegrass and wild oats when they are smaller and actively growing.

Growers should prioritise fields with larger overwintered weeds and control weeds before fertiliser applications further strengthen their growth.

Tank mixing with growth regulars and broad-leaved herbicides can save time and make better use of application windows, says Mr Hawkins.

Application techniques

Optimising application techniques will ensure good coverage of weeds and achieve best possible control.

“We need to remember that there is a whole load of grass weeds to manage in the future; not just to focus on blackgrass,” explains Mr Cussans.

That means growers and agronomists should consider the different aspects of weed biology.

“Some of these other grass weeds – such as wild oats and bromes – have different biological characteristics to blackgrass.

“We are repeating the trial this year, where we have added an element of application timing and rates to complete the whole picture to help growers target these weeds much better.”

Weed seeds that germinate later are less of a threat, says John Cussans (below left)

Farmers should target weeds when they are smaller, says Pete Hawkins (below right)