Utilising more spring cropping into the farm rotation could be the most effective measure to battle blackgrass on affected farms, advised PGRO agronomist, Jim Scimshaw. With over 16,000 cases of herbicide resistance identified across 34 counties of the UK, farmers needed to look at ways to integrate chemical and cultural controls to manage the weed burden.
Speaking at the Syngenta PGRO Pulse Roadshow, he cited work from Rothamsted Research that indicated spring cropping could reduce blackgrass populations by up to 96%, with an average 88% reduction. “Dr Steven Moss has reported that ‘the inclusion of spring sown crops is likely to be the single most effective element’ in reducing resistant blackgrass,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr Scrimshaw reported that cropping with spring beans would now enable growers to use a new herbicide, DUAL GOLD, with activity on blackgrass, along with a range of other broad-leaved and grass weeds. “We are seeing increasing incidences of blackgrass resistance, particularly to ALS and ACCase herbicides. However, DUAL GOLD has a different mode of action which should prove useful when used in conjunction with other chemical and cultural means of control.
In most instances we would recommend DUAL GOLD in a mix with a partner, to increase the spectrum of weed control,” he advised. DUAL GOLD, which contains S-metolachlor, is available as an EAMU, obtained by the PGRO.
“We have seen no issues with crop safety from DUAL GOLD, although growers should be aware of any restrictions from partner products used in the mix,” he advised. Other options he advocated for blackgrass herbicides in spring beans included pendimethalin, tri-allate and prosulfocarb (DEFY).
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