New Springbok springs to the aid of oilseed rape growers
The new residual and contact herbicide Springbok has received approval and will be a welcome addition to the oilseed rape herbicide market, particularly for growers who have been unable to control Crane’s-bill and Shepherd’s-purse adequately in the past, says BASF.
“Springbok introduces a new active dimethenamid-p to the European oilseed rape market. This new active has been co-formulated with the widely used and trusted ingredient, metazachlor. Both actives are from the chloroacetamide class of herbicides, but dimethenamid-p is from a different group, the thiophenamines, which are characterised by a double sulphur bond, conferring higher weed activity. This combination of actives offers growers a product with a unique weed range and higher and consistent weed control,” says Diane Heath, BASF Oilseed Rape Product Manager.
Diane explains that Springbok provides improved activity on all key weeds of rape compared to 1.5 l/ha of Butisan S (metazachlor) and adds superior control of problem weeds such as Crane’s-bill (Geranium spp) and Shepherd’s-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). “In trials when applied pre-emergence of the weeds at a dose rate of 2.5 l/ha, Springbok gave 100% control of Common Field Speedwell, 99% control of Mayweed, 97% control of Chickweed, 97% for Field Forget-me-not, 95% for Groundsel and 94% for Sow-thistle. Additionally, there was 70% control of Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill, 82% control of Round-leaved Crane’s-bill, 78% for Small-flowered Crane’s-bill and 97% control of Shepherd’s-purse. It also gave 99% control of Annual Meadow-grass and 89% control of Black-grass.”
Springbok also offers improved consistency of activity under dry conditions, which will be an important practical benefit in the very early autumn when oilseed rape is drilled. “Dimethenamid-p has less tendency to bind to trash, and this combined with superior soil adsorption means the active ingredient stays in the weed germination zone. In addition, dimethenamid-P has good lateral dispersion via soil water and is less dependent on soil moisture for activity. Springbok is taken up via both shoot and root of the weed seedling. Dimethenamid-p uptake is via hypocotyls, coleoptiles and roots, whereas metazachlor is taken up by roots. These results show that Springbok has greater bio-availability than straight metazachlor,” explains Mrs. Heath.
Springbok can be used pre- or early post-emergence before seven true leaves of the crop, but for best results, application should be made pre-emergence of the weed. “If your primary weed target is any Geranium species or Shepherd’s-purse, then Springbok is the product of choice. If growers are looking for general weed control with consistency under dry conditions then, once again, Springbok should be the first product that comes to mind,” says Diane.
