Stick to plans for autumn Atlantis

Although some black-grass seems to be emerging later in cereals this year, many populations will require Atlantis® (mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron) treatments this month, if they have not already been carried out, says Agrovista's Craig Morgan.

Despite some variations in black-grass germination patterns over recent years, in Mr Morgan's experience November seems to be the best time for Atlantis application.

"Growers should aim to stick with plans for autumn-applied Atlantis strategy," Mr Morgan explains. "Spraying is going on now in the midlands in early-drilled crops.

"While soil temperatures continue to be high enough and there is enough moisture, this autumn should provide good opportunities for Atlantis to work effectively," he believes. "And targeting weeds early, at the 2-3 leaf stage, helps to protect against resistance."

Richard Machin is one grower following this strategy. "Having tried a range of timings for Atlantis last year – November, February and March - I'm applying it to areas of bad black-grass in November this season as the autumn timing gave the best control.

"The Atlantis is following a pre-emergence treatment of Liberator® (flufenacet + diflufenican) across all of the wheat area," Mr Machin adds. "It's important to get on top of weed control as early as possible and take the pressure off for post-emergence treatments."

Craig Morgan reminds growers that Atlantis should be applied with biopower® and a residual partner such as trifluralin. "Also, where target site resistance is not a problem, Hawk® (trifluralin + clodinafop) is an option to consider; the contact action of clodinafop added to the residual action of trifluralin can give extra control."