News

Barrie Hunt turns his expert attention to managing Italian ryegrass in the latest in our series of articles on getting to grips with problem grassweeds.

Guidelines for minimising the risk of glyphosate resistance development published by the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) are just what UK growers and agronomists need to safeguard the single most vital weapon in their grass weed control armoury. As such, these guidelines should form the essential basis for all glyphosate use from now on.

Move as little soil as possible, give yourself enough time and use it to greatest effect. These are the three keys to the best, most consistent stale seedbed control of annual grass weeds ahead of drilling identified by independent tillage specialist, Steve Townsend.

A special on-line resource has been launched to provide arable managers across the country with a structured approach to regaining control over their most damaging grassweeds based on the best available soil and crop management intelligence.

Do not expect the levels of performance you have been used to from many glyphosates this summer following the withdrawal of European approval for ethoxylated tallow amine (ETA) formulations, growers have been warned.

Soil compaction costs the UK around £400-500 million every year, cutting wheat yields by 10-15%, increasing tillage energy, time and costs by up to 300% and reducing soil infiltration to almost zero, significantly increasing run-off and flooding.

Appropriate soil management can play a major part in controlling your black-grass before it controls you, growers and agronomists were advised at a national Soil & Water Management Centre improvement event in Lincolnshire.

It is a known fact that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has withdrawn all glyphosate-based plant protection products containing polyethoxylated tallow amine as a formulation component.