One of the problems with recent advances in technology is that we are seeing higher expectations placed on herbicide products in their weed control abilities. This can lead to disappointment in growers. But it may not necessarily be the fault of the product. Below we’ve listed what you need to take into consideration when planning your weed control this season.
1. Avoid high expectations.
Don’t be misguided – all our main herbicide products and mixes work well. Results consistently reach the mid to high 80% of weed control. However, don’t expect any of these products or mixes to have results reaching the mid to high 90% or you will be disappointed. We have tried and tested many formulas across a range of sites, seasons and soil types and results are consistent. Expect good results, but not perfection.
2. Everything depends on conditions. Good conditions make all herbicides work better but results can be variable under poor conditions. If you applied herbicides with good water volumes, droplet spectrum, and had low stubble burdens, you have made a great start and created the best oppurtunity for herbicides to do their work. But the rest can be completely dependant upon conditions. For instance, if there is no rainfall and soils stay dry, some products will not break down very well. With decent rains you may have some reasonable control, and some products may even have some breakdown before a major “activating” rainfall.
However, if application was patchy, soil moisture was inconsistent and crop emergence is patchy, then there is a fair chance your herbicides will also struggle.
3. Another part of the puzzle is the timing of ryegrass emergence. Despite sometimes seeing early germination, the vast majority of ryegrass plants still need cold, moist conditions to germinate. This means that even in great seeding conditions we may still see weed germination. This could be because herbicides have activated too early and lost some of their punch before the bulk of the ryegrass germinates.
4. Don’t forget; a competitive crop is a big bonus in weed control. If your crop is up and away despite a poor start, it will likely out-compete later germinating weeds. Plus herbicides will be helping to suppress weeds (even if it they aren’t performing at their best).
We recommend to start planning your weed seed set control options now, as even low numbers will set some seed.