Supporting Kerb

UK - September 04, 2009



With varied levels of black-grass control from even the best of herbicides in winter wheat plus escalating resistance issues, growers are casting around for more robust control of this difficult weed across the rotation.  The use of Kerb (propyzamide) in oilseed rape and bean rotation has been shown to be exceptionally effective in slowing down the spread of this weed.

"Kerb Flo is a highly potent residual grass and broad-leaved weed herbicide, but requires specific advice and support from advisors in order to get the best out of it. For example in order to achieve maximum weed control, soil temperatures need to be low, so that longer persistence is achieved throughout the germination period.  Good levels of soil moisture are also needed to help the herbicide distribute evenly in the top few cms of the soil.  If application conditions are right, farmers can expect black-grass control in the high 90's," says Robin Bentley, Marketing Specialist for Dow AgroSciences.

Robin explains that Dow AgroSciences is determined that the use of Kerb is optimised, in respect of performance.  However he is also committed to minimising any risk of the product getting into waterways.  To this end a comprehensive support programme for advisors and growers has been launched.  "With every pack of Kerb Flo, growers will receive regular reports on soil temperature and moisture deficits as well as on product compatibilities. There will be timely technical updates, advice on Specific-Off-Label Approvals as well as online topical support via the DAS web site, www.dowagro.com/uk.  Advisors will get valuable advice on the best practice and optimal performance criteria for Kerb."

In turn, by choosing Kerb Flo, advisors and growers will also be supporting and benefiting from an extensive and on-going Stewardship Programme.  "Dow AgroSciences are keenly aware of the implications of the EU Drinking Water Directive and the significance of reducing pesticides in surface water.  In consequence they are actively involved in environmental Stewardship, investing substantial sums on trials.  These experiments will be of benefit to farmers, advisors, regulators, retailers and consumers. We are unique in having commissioned a trials programme on how best to keep Kerb Flo out of water."

Robin says that Dow AgroSciences is specifically working on how run-off occurs on treated land, what happens under different cultivation regimes, the effect of different sized buffer zones and any differences between Kerb and other formulations.  "It is vital that everyone plays their part in keeping this valuable herbicide out of water, so that it can continued to be used."

Robin advises that with Kerb Flo growers have assurance of its provenance.  "You know what it is and does - exactly what it says on the pack.  The product will be of high specification, easily tank- mixable, with a wide range of SOLAs.  Some illegal propyzamide materials last year had severe mixing problems, not what you want in a busy spraying season."

"Where weed resistance is rife, you can also be assured that propyzamide still works on all strains of black-grass, with no resistance having ever been identified.  It has a different mode of action to any other black-grass herbicide used in cereals and so fills an important role in weed resistance management right across the farm," he says.