INTEGRATED WEED CONTROL IS WAY FORWARD

With temperatures rising and spring fast approaching, amenity contractors will be planning their approach to tackling troublesome weeds. With increased regulatory challenges putting pressure on the whole industry, it’s even more important to implement an integrated approach. As manufacturers, we constantly have to adapt our solutions to meet these requirements and ensure support is available for our customers.

A successful weed control programme requires a combination of cultural and chemical solutions. Product rotation and application timings are also essential components to consider within an integrated approach, to help keep resistance at bay. But it’s not all doom and gloom. An increasing number of people are considering alternative solutions to weed control, which is a great way to start tackling the constant regulatory challenges. It’s important to consider all solutions and utilise a range of cultural and chemical options. Local authorities are under pressure to reduce or eliminate their reliance on chemical controls but have realised that alternatives are cost-prohibitive and not as effective. Hence, an integrated approach is the ideal compromise. CULTURAL CONTROLS Cultural controls should form the basis of an integrated programme. While they are not always successful at offering long-lasting control, they can provide initial weed knockdown, allowing contractors to get on top of weed activity. For example, hand weeding can be a way to remove established weeds, keeping the area clean and tidy. However, this can be a time consuming and expensive option. Strimming can also knockdown established weeds, and while it’s a process that has to be repeated regularly, it’s a nonchemical solution that can ensure the area is kept clean and tidy. Alternatively, if you’re looking to tackle a larger area, then mowing can be a better option, and while again this still has to be repeated regularly, it can help get on top of current weed problems. There are also other solutions, which are not subject to the same regulations as pesticides such as hot foam, steam or fire treatments which burn off the plant. Electric weed systems are also available where high-energy electrons work through the plant to the roots, but all of these options only control current weeds that are present. RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT Resistance is also a problem when it comes to herbicides. To help manage this, rotating active ingredients and the mode of action within a treatment programme is important. Rotating with fatty acids in the mix of treatments offers a biological solution that provides an alternative option to control above ground weeds. In addition, there are products on the market that use a combination of active ingredients which can act as a valuable tool for resistance management, such as a combination of diflufenican and iodosulfuon-methyl-sodium. These options can provide good control of a broad spectrum of weeds, offering residual control. APPLICATION TIMING The timing of application is fundamental to successful weed control, as well as considering the type of weeds being treated and the wider environment. Before treatment, always go outside and inspect the area, to identify the different types of weeds present and choose the most appropriate products. It’s also important to consider the environment and ensure the selected product is conducive to the setting. Reading the label is essential to see the best results, as this will advise on the target weeds, application timing and treatment rate.

To help maintain a clear surface, and avoid weeds establishing in the first place, it’s important to apply a residual control as soon as possible, that targets a broad spectrum of weeds. If weeds are present, use a contact acting herbicide mixed with a residual to prevent any further weed growth. While the industry has many challenges to face, there are lots of positive things that we, as an industry can do to help ensure we successfully tackle weeds, and integrated management is fundamental in this. ✽ GREG COLLINS has worked in the industry for 23 years and joined Bayer in 2014. He’s the national account manager for Ireland and works closely with customers to ensure they are informed about products, best practice and legislation changes. He also worked as a greenkeeper for over 17 years and therefore understands the issues they may be facing. Greg Collins, Bayer national account manager for Ireland, explains how taking an integrated approach this season could be the difference between successful and unsuccessful weed control