Weed out uncertainty

To prevent black grass, Italian rye-grass and brome in wheat, Bayer's Technical Managers, Rachel, Chris and Emma, share their recommendations for this season.

For more advice on weed management, visit our weed management hub.

Black grass

To prevent black grass in wheat, Rachel Banks, Bayer Technical Manager, recommends using a tight herbicide sequence. Begin with a stale seedbed utilising Roundup® and cultural controls such as cultivations and later drilling. Once drilled, apply a metribuzin co-form (Alternator® Met, Octavian® Met, Cadou® Met) with Proclus® at the true pre-em. timing within 48 hours after drilling. Then come back 7–10 days later with a follow up containing alternative modes of action.

Italian rye-grass

To control Italian rye-grass in wheat, Chris McClymont, Bayer Technical Manager, recommends residual protection throughout the autumn because of protracted germination. Use cultural controls before establishment to reduce weed burden in the crop. After drilling, make the first application at the true pre-em. timing and follow up 2–4 weeks later. Pair a metribuzin co-form like Alternator® Met, Octavian® Met or Cadou® Met with Proclus® at pre-em. The mix contains four modes of action, improving control and reducing resistance risk.

Brome

To control brome in wheat, Emma Jones, Bayer Technical Manager, recommends a robust pre-em. Use stale seedbeds and delayed drilling to reduce population size but all brome species will be a threat to cereals in the crucial window just after drilling. Metribuzin co-forms like Alternator® Met, Octavian® Met or Cadou® Met provide effective control with the option to add Proclus® to tackle the most difficult populations. Be aware that rye, meadow and soft brome tend to germinate in spring too so be prepared to come back later in spring for these weeds.

For more information, visit our weed management hub.

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Roundup® contains glyphosate. Proclus® contains aclonifen. Alternator® Met contains diflufenican, flufenacet and metribuzin. Octavian® Met contains diflufenican, flufenacet and metribuzin. Cadou® Met contains diflufenican, flufenacet and metribuzin. Roundup, Proclus, Alternator, Octavian and Cadou are registered trademarks of Bayer. All other brand names used are Trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. For further information, including contact details, visit www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk or call 0808 1969522. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2025