Bayer advises spraying this fall for black-grass

The mild autumn weather has Bayer CropScience talking about the need to spray for black-grass now instead of waiting.

Field investigations report that many farmers are spraying Atlantis WG (mesosulfuron and iodosulfuron), but the opportunity to spray for black-grass is still open.

“The general picture this season is that pre-ems have performed reasonably well but they will need backing up with a post-emergence spray,” Darren Adkins, Bayer's commercial technical manager, said. “Wheat drilled in early October already has three leaves so any black-grass which survived the pre-em is now at the right stage for Atlantis. For many people, ground is still suitable to travel because of the relatively warm and, in places, dry conditions. On top of that, the black-grass is small and actively growing which makes it more susceptible to contact herbicides.”

Adkins cautions, however, that crops drilled in late October may not be ready for post-em spray but will most likely be ready by the end of the month if the weather continues to be mild. He also cautions that growers need to be careful when applying spray when it is windy because the spray could blow away. Lastly, Adkins reminds farmers to allow for a minimum of two hours for drying time.

“There’s every chance this is the last good opportunity to spray for two or three months," he said. "If the weather does turn against us, people might not get back on until March and the black-grass will be bigger, tougher and harder to control, so if you can, get out there and spray."