OILSEED RAPE growers will still have the opportunity to deliver a short-sharp blow to grass weeds in the New Year.

January, in particular, offers a key spray opportunity for using the residual herbicide Kerb in winter oilseed rape and this opportunity to control grass-weeds and deal with resistance issues mustn’t be missed, says Dow AgroSciences.

“Trials and commercial experience show that effective weed control can still be achieved from applications of Kerb right up to the end of the month and this opportunity shouldn’t be over-looked,” says Rene Pollak, of Dow AgroSciences. “January applications are particularly effective because grass-weeds develop adventitious roots that pick up sufficient active ingredient. Often at this time the crop has opened up through winter die-back, allowing a more even application of Kerb Flo across the soil surface, which is ideal.”