Galera - Spring Update 2012

GF-2070 and Broadway Star applications at T0

Dow AgroSciences: Dedicated to Protecting UK Biodiversity

This edition's FAQs:
- What is the earliest I can use Dow Shield 400 on Oilseed Rape this spring?
- What benefits does new Dow Shield 400 offer Sugar Beet growers? 

Dry weather last autumn and problems with product supply are showing knock–on effects on broad-leaved weed burdens in oilseed rape. The earlier mild weather caused a rush of Galera* applications, colder conditions have put a stop to this but spring will be here any moment.

Crops should be checked now for the presence of weeds. Cleavers are the most aggressive broad-leaved weed competitor, impacting yield which can significantly decrease final percentage oil content. As yield robbers, mayweeds, groundsel and thistles, follow closely behind; the latter look particularly unsightly. All these weeds impact harvesting flexibility and carry potential admixture penalties.

Milder  weather will encourage thistles and mayweeds to start growing again. If thistles and mayweeds are the main target – active growth is less critical so a wider application window does exist.

Where the target is cleavers or a range of weeds which includes cleavers, then hold applications until cleavers start clearly exhibiting active growth. Generally, a trigger point for Galera applications targeted at cleavers will be the onset of growth post- fertiliser applications - assuming adequate temperatures. Wait one week and then apply.

The window of application is short so plan ahead and get product on farm and ready. To optimise performance, stable air temperatures are required of at least 6°C and rising, but preferably 8°C or higher. The warmer and more stable the conditions, the better the results are likely to be. Warm days and cold nights (high diurnal variation) are likely to give poor results, particularly against cleavers.  Control of cleavers is maximised when applications are made just before crop canopies close.

The following guidance also applies when making any application of Galera:

• Do not apply to stressed crops - due to nutrient deficiency, frost damage, phytotoxicity from previous agrochemical applications, cold soil (roots) and warm air (stem/foliage), water logging,  rapid fluctuations in air temperature, mineral deficiencies, disease, plant injury e.g. pigeons
• Do not make applications in periods of hard frosts
• Apply when the weeds are actively growing
• Apply when the crop is 4 true leaves to before flower buds visible from above the crop canopy

Another issue at this time of year can be wet leaves. Galera needs 6 hours drying time after application to a dry leaf, for best results. A breeze to dry the plants off in the morning and a planned application during the warmest part of the day is the approach most likely to give good results. That is why having the appropriate fields identified and the required amount of Galera on farm and ready to apply is so important. With the cut off of flower buds visible above the crop canopy, the opportunities to spray can be limited.

Learn more about Galera    

Take advantage during periods of active growth to make applications of GF-2070, for the control of blackgrass, or Broadway* Star for the control of ryegrass, bromes and wild oats, as well as excellent broad-leaved weed control including cranesbill, groundsel, speedwells, cleavers, volunteer sugar beet and many, many more. Regional weather variations will dictate if active growth is evident. When a mild spell occurs seize the opportunity, making applications while the target weeds are smaller.

Both products (with adjuvant) offer excellent tank mix compatibility including the following physical compatibilities:

FUNGICIDES:

Alto Elite
Bravo 500
Capalo
Ceando
Centaur
Cherokee
Corbel
Fortress
Ignite +/- Bravo 500
Opus  +/- Bravo 500
Opus Team
Proline 275 +/- Bravo 500
Talius
Tern
Tracker

PGRs:

3C or 5 C chlormequat (Max. Half dose)
No other additional products apart from approved adjuvant in tank mix

Further tank mixes including trace elements

Learn more about using GF-2070 in the spring 

Preserving, protecting and enhancing biodiversity is essential if modern farming is to be sustainable.  Promoting the conservation of biodiversity within integrated habitat management strategies is an important element of “Dow AgroSciences Stewardship Programme”.

Dow AgroSciences have a long history of being involved as industrial partners in projects to promote biodiversity measures on UK farms and natural habitats for over ten years.  Some of these landmark projects include SAFFIE, 3D farming, FARM4BIO.  Current projects include:-

• The first involves  managing  perennial field margins with combined ecological and agronomical benefits for vegetable rotation schemes, science partnering with Lancaster University, Stockbridge Technology centre, Unilever and Waitrose amongst others.
• The second project is through the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation Platform - Spinosad Naturalyte fruit fly bait for the control of fly pests (e.g. carrot fly) in horticultural crops through science partnering with the University of Warwick.   

Dow AgroSciences are actively working with groups such as Natural England, VI, British Trust for Ornithology and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust on various fronts.   One area where Dow AgroSciences have been particularly successful is with management of invasive weed species. We have been working with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust using Timbrel* to control unwanted gorse & rhododendron, and Dow Shield^† and Thistlex* to remove creeping thistle from grazing marshes so to encourage a more favourable habitat for wetland birds and plant species.  The Forestry Commission and The National Trust use Timbrel as a highly valued control tool for rhododendron weed management as this plant harbours non-native pathogens which are leading to escalating problems with Sudden Oak death.  Dow AgroSciences are established industry experts regarding control of Japanese knotweed where we have worked closely with Devon and Cornwall County Councils to restore many coastlines to their natural beauty.

Even with products that are used every day by growers, we promote that they are used sustainably and judiciously. Selective herbicides such as Grazon* 90 are used through weed wipers to provide selective control of pernicious weeds such as thistles in sensitive situations such as species rich grassland and field margins.  We have also carried out extensive research on weed control in game cover crops with our products.  With our insecticides such as Dursban* WG we advise measures to ensure the products are only applied when required and so reduce potential impact on non target insect species. Our Pestwatch monitoring service and recent work promoting use of low-drift nozzles and 20M buffer zone with the “Say No to Drift” campaign all allow accurate targeting of pests and rapid re-colonisation of beneficial insects.

Protecting UK Biodiversity through sustainable farming and habitat management is not a new trend for Dow AgroSciences. We hope in the coming years to work with you more closely to make the most of sustainable farming and habitats yet still maintaining them to be highly productive.

What is the earliest I can use Dow Shield 400 on Oilseed Rape this spring?

The new super strength Dow Shield 400 ( MAPP No:14984) can be used from 1st March and is approved for use on both Winter and Spring Oilseed rape (as well as most importantly Sugar Beet, and a number of other crops),

Galera still continues to have approval for use in the autumn on Winter Oilseed Rape and Dow AgroSciences hope to develop alternative options to strengthen overall autumn weed management in the near future.

What benefits does new Dow Shield 400 offer Sugar Beet growers?

As well as excellent crop selectivity, compatibility and efficacy, new Dow Shield 400 has the added benefit of improved turn-around for spraying operations by:

• More concentrated so more hectares per pack, meaning less packs to open and dispose of, so saving time
• Self-seal technology with no induction seal and induction foil to get rid of - again saving time

Subscribing to Dow AgroSciences' Agronomy Update & Pestwatch gives eligibility for 1 Crop Protection BASIS Points annually. Please include course name "Agronomy Update & Pestwatch" and number "CP/19948/1112/g" on your training record. These details apply until 31st May 2012.

If you require any further information please contact our technical Hotline on 0800 689 8899 or your local Dow AgroSciences representative.

Dow AgroSciences supports the safety and efficacy of its products for tank mixes shown as Physically and Biologically Compatible, but does not warrant the efficacy of other tank mix partners.

Use plant protection products safely.  Always read the label and product information before use.
For further information including warning phrases please refer to the product label.

* Broadway, Dursban, Galera, Grazon, Thistlex and Timbrel are trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC.
^† Dow Shield is a trademark of the Dow Chemical Company.
All other brand names are trademarks of other manufacturers for which proprietary rights may exist.

Broadway Star contains florasulam and pyroxsulam
Dow Shield 400 contains clopyralid
Dursban WG contains chlorpyrifos
Galera contains clopyralid and picloram
Grazon 90 contains clopyralid and triclopyr
GF-2070 contains flupyrsulfuron-methyl-sodium and pyroxsulam
Thistlex contains clopyralid and triclopyr
Timbrel contains triclopyr

More info at www.dowagro.com/uk