Blackgrass anti-resistance strategy starts in oilseed rape

Basing grassweed control in oilseed rape on Kerb Flo (propyzamide) should be the priority of any grower fighting resistant blackgrass, says Dow AgroSciences.

A recent survey by Rothamsted Research found that both target site and enhanced metabolism resistant blackgrass strains are now widespread on farms in England. Rothamsted's Dr Stephen Moss says correct product choice is essential to combat both the impact of weeds and the potential for resistance to develop further.

"It is important that growers use the opportunity that oilseed rape offers. As part of an overall anti-resistance strategy oilseed rape herbicides can slow resistance development and offer a solution to controlling resistant blackgrass already present," says Dr Moss.

"Kerb Flo manages the problem of difficult resistant blackgrass situations," says Dow's marketing specialist Colin Bowers. "It has an entirely different mode of action to cereal herbicides associated with target site resistance, such as the fops and dims."

A comprehensive technical stewardship package has been developed for Kerb Flo since Dow AgroSciences took over the product five years ago. The product consistently demonstrates cost effectiveness, flexibility and reliability when used correctly.

"If the warm, wet weather remains similar for the next month, conditions will be ideal for Kerb Flo applications from the beginning of October. Kerb Flo needs good levels of soil moisture down to at least 8 cm. It works well in minimal tillage situations where soil moisture has been conserved and grassweed seeds are left in the top soil layer," says Mr Bowers.