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Weed Management

Bayer Crop Science

Focus on glyphosate efficacy ahead of autumn drilling

Article overview

Eliminating weeds with glyphosate pre-drilling prepares the way for the residual herbicide campaign to control the next wave of weed germination in the crop. But effective control shouldn’t be taken for granted as experience earlier this year shows.

Bayer agronomist Roger Bradbury tells us what we learned last spring and how to get the best results this time around.


Difficult spring showed importance of correct glyphosate application

“Without wanting to retread old ground, the weather earlier this year was dreadful and it had consequences for glyphosate performance. We received a few of reports of control well below expectations. On investigation we found that application conditions, timing and rates all contributed to poor control.”

“Firstly, spray days were few and far between so weeds grew significantly between the time of the recommendation and application meaning the rate was too low. Of course, with limited spray opportunities, farmers may have applied in marginal conditions or gone well above the recommended 12km/h to cover the ground in limited time.

“Also, the exceptionally wet field conditions in early spring meant that target plants were under stress affecting plant growth hence translocation of glyphosate within the weed.”

Mr Bradbury adds that some applications were delayed until stem extension when glyphosate is translocated to the growing tip but not to the roots leading to potential regrowth. However, this is not relevant to autumn applications.


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