Extended Tank-Mix Compatibility Adds To Spring Brome Killer Flexibility

February, 2004 - Extensive testing has increased the spectrum of herbicides, fungicides, PGRs, insecticides, adjuvants and trace elements with which brome killer, Monitor (sulfosulfuron) can safely be tank-mixed for maximum winter wheat spraying value and flexibility this season.

Indeed, it makes the specialist herbicide the only effective spring brome control option for anyone wishing to avoid the expense of a separate 2004 field operation, argues Monsanto technical specialist, Manda Sansom.

"As well as the more familiar barren brome, great brome, meadow brome, soft brome and rye brome all present serious problems for growers," she pointed out. "Not least because populations as low as 2-5 plants/m2 can reduce wheat yields by as much as 1t/ha.

"Even so, ever-increasing workload and economic pressures mean separate brome sprays can rarely be justified by most growers unless infestations are particularly severe. Which makes broad tank-mixing compatibility as essential for success as broad and effective brome control."

Latest testing shows Monitor to be compatible with the vast majority of the most commonly used T0 and T1 fungicides and PGRs. It can also safely be tank-mixed with a wide range of spring herbicides – including mecoprop-P, 2-4 D, HBN, IPU and Starane – to complement its impressive control of problem brome species as well as couch, meadow-grass, cleavers and other broad-leaved weeds.

"Our testing shows Monitor can safely be mixed with a broad range of proprietary adjuvants and trace element sprays too," Mrs Sansom stressed. "This and the fact it can be applied anywhere from GS13 to 39 of the crop means it can be slotted-in to just about any spring spraying programme to stop brome in its tracks without the extra expense or hassle of a separate field operation.

"This flexibility is unique among brome killers and almost certainly accounts for the enthusiasm with which Monitor has been taken-up by growers across the country since its introduction in 2001."

Full Monitor 2004 tank-mix compatibility guidance can be obtained from www.monsanto-ag.co.uk or via the company’s technical hotline (01223 849540)