A THREE-WAY spray combination that can keep annual meadow-grass in check is new for grain growers this autumn.

The co-formulation of pendimethalin, diflufenican and chlorotoluron can control heavy infestations of the weed, which can delay ripening and hinder harvesting.

Alison Bosher, Adama’s technical and marketing director, said: “Controlling annual meadow-grass is an essential element of autumn weed control in cereals, especially in the north and west where populations have reached higher levels.

“Its ability to over-winter means annual meadow-grass can be found at all growth stages throughout the cereal calendar. Effective management, therefore, needs to combat early weed growth at various stages throughout the year – the application of an autumn pre-emergence spray is the first and most essential control measure for autumn-sown crops.”

The loss of various key herbicides has made the control of this weed more difficult to achieve in recent years, but three-way residuals, such as Tower, can give growers a reliable and effective tool.

It has 300 g/l pendimethalin, 40 g/l diflufenican and 250 g/l chlorotoluron and gives annual meadow-grass control at 2 l/ha as well as residual activity against a range of broad-leaved weeds including cranesbill, poppies, chickweed and mayweed, and against shepherd’s purse, dead nettle, speedwell, pansies and cleavers.