With glyphosate resistance a potential threat to UK arable production there are some key management strategies growers can adopt to maximise its efficacy when controlling black-grass ahead of autumn drilling.
Following the publication of AHDB’s Weed Resistance Action Group guidelines to help protect herbicide efficacy, which identified four simple messages - prevent survivors, maximise efficacy, use alternatives and monitor success - further trials have highlighted key management strategies which could help prevent glyphosate resistance, while optimising black-grass control.
Whether you need advice on pressing home the advantage after an effective pre-em programme or are dealing with the aftermath of sodden seedbeds, we have resources for you. From herbicides and application technology through to cultivation and crop choice there will be a team of experts at the Hub who can support you with your black-grass decisions.
Following the publication of AHDB’s Weed Resistance Action Group guidelines to help protect herbicide efficacy, which identified four simple messages - prevent survivors, maximise efficacy, use alternatives and monitor success - further trials have highlighted key management strategies which could help prevent glyphosate resistance, while optimising black-grass control.
In terms of ‘preventing survivors’, a review of industry trials shows no black-grass control benefit from more than three glyphosate applications pre-drilling. In fact, the results showed only a small benefit of three applications over two.
In ‘maximising efficacy’ of the product, results show there is no benefit from increasing total dose rates above 1080g/ha (437g/acre) of active ingredient.
Initial results from container-based trials also indicate the optimum timing for good black-grass control is GS12 to GS13, (two to three leaves unfolded), with more variable and generally lower control at both later and earlier growth stages of the weed.
WRAG guidelines
- Prevent survivors: Avoid repeat applications to surviving plants
- Maximise efficacy: Apply the right dose (reduced rates increase the risk of reduced efficacy), at the right timing, in the right conditions
- Use alternatives: Use non-chemical options (such as cultivation), where practical, and use other herbicides in sequence
- Monitor success: Remove survivors and report potential resistance issues to your advisor and/or the product manufacturer
Source: AHDB
In the same trials, control was further improved by soil disturbance after treatment and simulated deep cultivation was more effective than shallow cultivation, both for ryegrass and black-grass.
Dr Paul Gosling, who manages weed research at AHDB, said: “A complaint on field performance might be the first indication of a resistant population. By this stage, 30 to 40 per cent of the population may be resistant already. So it is clear we must work together to tackle the glyphosate resistance threat head on and stop it arriving in the UK in the first place.”
The full version of the guidelines, as well as a two-page summary (AHDB Information Sheet 03), is available from cereals.ahdb.org.uk/wrag
News content brought to you by Abby Kellet, Arable Farming Magazine. To read more articles like this visit: https://www.fginsight.com/
CropTec 2017: Black-grass Hub
The popular Black-grass hub will return once again to this
year's CropTec Show, sponsored by Bayer CropScience.
Whether you need advice on pressing home the advantage after an effective pre-em programme or are dealing with the aftermath of sodden seedbeds, we have resources for you. From herbicides and application technology through to cultivation and crop choice there will be a team of experts at the Hub who can support you with your black-grass decisions.
For
a more detailed discussion about some of the main developments in black-grass
control, the Hub is hosting a series of seminars with specialists from inside
and outside Bayer so that visitors get the freshest perspectives on black-grass
control.
Tickets are free to attend, providing you pre-register here
