Flexible new Tactic in blackgrass battle

Oilseed rape could play a bigger role in the effective control of blackgrass, if sowing is held back to enable more weed seeds to be killed in a stale seedbed. The new high gross-output Syngenta Seeds oilseed rape variety launched at Cereals 2011, Tactic, has been classified as highly suitable for sowing right through the autumn drilling window – giving growers greater flexibility for sowing and opening the opportunity for enhanced grass weed control.

Masstock Research Development Manager, Colin Lloyd, reports Tactic has performed exceptionally well in the company’s trials with sowings from August well into September. "Even when drilling was delayed by weather conditions last season, Tactic still got away fast and established well," he said. "The later drilling would have given growers the chance to control a larger flush of blackgrass seedlings."

Furthermore, the trials showed that Tactic survived the extremely harsh winter conditions far better than some early sown varieties - with minimal 5-10% leaf loss, compared to others that struggled with up to 70% leaf death in Masstock trials. Results were equally good from sub-soiler or conventional drill establishment techniques.

Mr Lloyd also highlights that the strong autumn vigour of Tactic provides good cover that can help to shade out later grass weed germination and minimise weed seed return in the crop. "Growers need to be looking at every opportunity to minimise and reduce blackgrass throughout the rotation. Manipulating oilseed rape sowing date with an appropriate variety is another tool in the armoury," he added.

Nigel Padbury of Syngenta Seeds points out that some highly rated oilseed varieties only perform well from early sowing, which can prove a significant problem in some seasons. "If weather conditions conspire against successful early establishment, either from being too wet or too dry, field performance can be seriously compromised," he warned. "With Tactic there is the complete flexibility to sow at any time through the sowing window. Growers can be confident of getting the crop well established in the autumn."

He also highlights that if dry conditions impede the initial germination of early sown Tactic, the vigour and fast establishment means it has a better chance to recover in the autumn when there is sufficient moisture. The medium short crop height and stiff stem makes for good standing ability, with medium/early maturity helping growers to schedule harvesting operations.

Performance wise, Mr Padbury reports Tactic rates very highly for gross output – a full 9% higher than Castille across two years of National List trials, for example. Not only is the seed yield high, but with one of the highest oil contents at 46.6%, there is the added bonus from higher oil premiums. "With the ongoing value of oilseed rape seed, high gross output will enable growers to capture even more value from the crop," he adds.

Tactic key features:

• Very high gross output

• High oil content

• Flexible sowing date

• Strong autumn vigour and winter hardiness

• Medium/short plant height with a stiff stem

Tactic is exclusively available from Masstock Arable.