Warm weather speeds up cleavers growth

UK - April 30, 2008

As weather warms up growth of yield-robbing cleavers will accelerate if left uncontrolled, warn Dow AgroSciences. 

Not only do cleavers have the greatest potential to rob yields, they can also create problems at harvest. Therefore, early control is vital to reap the best returns on treatment.  

“In warm weather cleavers grow rapidly so quick control is needed,” advises Dow AgroSciences' technical specialist, David Roberts. “As average temperatures increase, weed control programmes targeting cleavers should be based around Starane XL (florasulam and fluroxypyr) to achieve the quick knock down that is needed.”  

Starane XL is compatible with a wide range of T1 fungicides and for optimum economic returns should be applied at 1.25 L/ha by GS 31. However Starane XL can be used in winter wheat for later germinating cleavers until GS 45 to help minimise weed seed build up and the problems that cleavers can cause at harvest.