Dow AgroSciences: New chemistry set to tackle grass weeds in cereals

UK - June 12, 2008

Dow AgroSciences new herbicide pyroxsulam will partner with two herbicides to deliver outstanding control of a range of grass weeds including blackgrass, wild oats, ryegrass and bromes in cereals.

Two formulations: GF-2070 and GF-1364, for which approval is being sought were unveiled at Cereals 2008.

GF-2070, a formulated mixture of pyroxsulam and an undisclosed partner herbicide is targeted at the blackgrass market. Trials over the past two years have shown that the mixture applied in the autumn delivers blackgrass control as effectively as current market leaders. In addition, it provides control of the full range of problem grass weeds.

GF-2070 will be recommended in a programme that includes a pre-emergence treatment with a spring top-up where necessary.

GF-1364 is a formulated mix of pyroxsulam with florasulam. This product is being targeted at the non-blackgrass market where wild oats, rye-grass and brome, as well as a range of broad-leaved weeds including cleavers, mayweed and charlock pose a challenge. Applied in spring or autumn, this formulation will suit mixed cropping farms. The spring treatment will deliver a ‘one-shot’ clean up of a wide range of problem weeds.

In independent trials, GF-1364 has given wild oat control equal to current leading brands; while against ryegrass and brome it has outperformed several leading products.

Pyroxsulam offers favourable following crop and cultivation options, with no need to plough after use. 

While pyroxsulam has an ALS inhibitor mode of action, it is a triazolopyrimidine, not a sulphonylurea. It has contact activity, with a very short half life in soil – hence the favourable following crop and cultivation profile. In addition it will offer excellent operator safety.

“We see pyroxsulam as bringing a much needed alternative to the farmer’s armoury of grassweed control weapons,” said James Knight, Dow AgroSciences marketing specialist for the new molecule. “We believe GF-2070 will achieve the standards of blackgrass control that growers are now demanding. In addition, both the new products offer a very effective solution to the growing menace of ryegrass.

“Dow AgroSciences has considerable expertise in grass weed control in other crops, notably with Kerb Flo in oilseed rape. These new products will complete our ability to offer Grassweed Initiative solutions across the rotation of many farms.”