Three T's to optimise spring Atlantis
Optimising efficiency of spring applications should be uppermost in the minds of growers who did not make autumn applications of Atlantis WG, says Bayer CropScience.
Potential levels of control and yield benefits may already have been compromised where black-grass was present in autumn at the 2-3 leaf stage and remained untreated, but growers can claw back some yield benefits by paying attention to the three Ts of timing, technique and tank mixes. That's the advice from herbicide development manager Gordon Anderson-Taylor, who says a careful approach is needed to get the best out of spring Atlantis use.
"Many black-grass plants have continued to grow throughout what has been a mild winter," he explains. "Although the recent cold snap prevented application of Atlantis, it also slowed down the growth of both wheat and black-grass. But both will be quick to bounce back into active growth as temperatures increase again, particularly when any applied fertiliser kicks in."
Dr Anderson-Taylor warns growers to be 'cautious' where they are considering Atlantis application after an extended cold period. "Black-grass may not resume active growth for several days, until soil temperatures increase. Get the timing right and don't rush in."
Critical in achieving high levels of efficiency will be spraying technique, particularly quality and volume, he points out. "Atlantis should always be applied as a Fine-Medium spray, which may mean switching those low drift, air induction or coarse nozzles for something more appropriate.
"And beware of reducing the spray volume too low. Although we now have on-label approval to use Atlantis at 100l/ha, forward, denser crops may benefit from higher spray volumes to maximise coverage.
"Patch spraying is the other 'technique' which often delivers disappointing results," he notes, "as confirmed by our annual stewardship audit. Although most growers know their worst patches, lower populations are frequently found across the entire field – creating an untreated scattering of black-grass heads which will not only prove an embarrassment come June, but also remind you of a missed opportunity to prevent seed return next season."
The third point to consider, he says, is the complexity presented by another compressed season. "The pressure's on to apply not only herbicides, but also fungicides and PGRs.
"If you're in this situation, concentrate on the major yield threat first," he recommends. "In most cases, this will be grass-weed control – left unchecked, it has a multi-tonne impact on yield. Try to avoid over-complex tank mixes with Atlantis – often the best control will come from a standard 400g/ha application, not forgetting the biopower adjuvant at 1l/ha."
