Putting the brake on grass weeds...

Oilseed rape hectares have increased this autumn and many farmers are taking advantage to hit grass weeds hard.

As well as controlling bromes, ryegrass, wild oats, volunteer cereals, annual meadow grass and some broad-leaved weeds, Kerb* (propyzamide) works on all strains of black-grass filling an important role in resistance management with benefits across the rotation.  In ADAS trials it gave 98% control of black-grass, a level that few herbicides in rape or cereals can achieve.

Timing and fine, firm moist seedbeds are more important than weed size. For optimal performance Kerb is best used when soil moisture deficits are no more than 50 mm, soil temperatures are falling below 10ºC and the plants are growing slowly.  In most years weather conditions are right in early November.

Product colour and viscosity are indicators of provenance or manufacturing origin. All propyzamide from Dow AgroSciences has a unique brown colour, whereas non-Dow material is whiter with a different viscosity.  These differences bring about major differences in compatibility which can have undesirable implications in a busy spraying season. Dow AgroScience thoroughly test their propyzamide formulations to give you confidence when tank mixing.

Many farmers are already taking steps to protect herbicides reaching water courses. You may help by:

• Taking care when filling and cleaning the sprayer
• Use 6 m grass buffer strip or 5 m no spray zone near water courses
• Discussing cultivation and spray timing with your BASIS registered adviser
• Manage soils and tramlines to avoid surface run off
• Do not apply when soils  are cracked, dry or saturated
• Do not apply propyzamide if heavy rainfall is expected within 48 hours of application

Learn more about Kerb Flo 

Find out more about Oilseed rape herbicides and water protection