Grain growers will have the option to strengthen and broaden their control of broadleaf weeds and volunteer pulses and canola in cereal crops in the coming season after the arrival of a new, more flexible and cost-effective herbicide tank mix partner.
Priority, a Group B post-emergent herbicide launched by ADAMA Australia, importantly offers excellent crop safety and allays residue concerns in oaten hay and following crops and pastures.
ADAMA Australia portfolio manager - herbicides, Rob Walker, said Priority was an ideal first choice for tank mixtures to improve the weed spectrum, targeting up to 54 broadleaf weeds, and to control volunteer, non-imidazoline tolerant varieties of canola and pulses.
Priority contains florasulam, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, in a suspension concentrate formulation and once absorbed via weed foliage or roots, it is translocated to the growing points via the xylem and phloem.
The herbicide is effective against susceptible weeds from the two to eight-leaf stage, depending on the weed species and/or weed size.
It can be applied with registered tank mix partners including LVE MCPA 570, Triathlon, 2,4-D Ester, Flagship 400 and Bronco MA-X between the three and flag leaf crop stages (GS13-37).
ADAMA Australia market development manager - WA, Bevan Addison, said Priority would be ideal for growers looking to increase control of broadleaf weeds and volunteers, and to reduce carryover residue concerns in subsequent pulse crops and legume pastures.
Florasulam does not bind to plant material and has a relatively short half-life in soil.
It will have a great fit where growers are wanting to remove clopyralid and SU's (sulfonylureas) from their programs due to residual carryover into their grain legumes and legume pastures.
Clopyralid and SU's can really give them a headache, Mr Addison said.
He said Priority was a very flexible mixing partner with a wide range of herbicides and fungicides, providing for excellent crop safety.
One of the main benefits of florasulam is its low residual, allowing minimal issues for any following crops that may be sensitive to longer residual Group B herbicides or clopyralid, for example, Mr Addison said.
In oats, it can be mixed with LVE MCPA and other broadleaf herbicides to broaden the weed control spectrum with good crop safety.
The excellent crop safety and a favourable pre-harvest interval enhances the herbicides use in oaten hay crops, where there can be residue concerns.
Residues in oaten hay can impact trade with countries that do not have established maximum residue limits.
Mr Addison said Priority was also was a cost-effective spike with many broadleaf herbicides.
In mixed farming systems and particularly where growers want to take out volunteer canola and pulses, or to expand on their control of broadleaf weeds, Priority would be excellent to spike a herbicide like Triathlon, enhancing its control of a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds, he said.
Mr Addison said the wide range of tank mix partners Priority could be used with provided plenty of flexibility for growers, allowing them to adjust herbicide mixes according to crop type, weed spectrum and seasonal conditions.
This is an ongoing proposition, with extensive research continuing to aim for expanded mixing options into the future, he said.
While Priority is registered for application in fallows and established ryegrass pastures as well, Mr Addison said it would mainly be used in cereal crops including wheat, barley and oats in WA.
Priority herbicide is registered for post-emergent application in cereals including wheat, barley, triticale and oats, established ryegrass pastures and fallow.
For further information on the new tank mix partner, growers can contact their local ADAMA Australia representative, sales agent or visit ADAMA.com.