Clearfield® is a unique system for oilseed rape that combines hybrid seed varieties and high-quality BASF herbicides for the most effective way to approach weed control in OSR.
How does it work?
Clearfield® consists of two components: Clearfield® seeds and Clearfield® herbicides. Based on traditional plant breeding techniques, Clearfield® seeds are tolerant to a specific class of herbicides. Clearfield® herbicides (Cleranda and Cleravo for example) are specifically designed to be applied post-emergence and to provide sustainable and effective season-long weed control, including problematic weeds, such as runch and charlock. Yields and quality can also be improved, as any non-Clearfield® volunteers are also taken out by the Clearfield® herbicide
What results can we expect?
Growers can use Clearfield® as a management tool, bringing problematic fields back into rotation and allowing oilseed rape to be grown profitably where it would be difficult or impossible to grow using any other system. Clearfield® herbicides are designed to be applied post-emergence, often with only one application, providing effective weed control from planting to harvest. This results in fewer passes across the field, fewer hours on the machinery, lower fuel usage, decreased soil compaction and decreased erosion.
Available varieties
We have Clearfield® hybrids available from Pioneer, Monsanto, DSV and others. to Traditionally Clearfield varieties have always been lower yielding than standard varieties. However, DSV's new Clearfield variety Matrix CL is now competing with non-Clearfield varieties making it a much more attractive option for growers.
- Limited timing flexibility of herbicide options
- Reliance on pre and early post-emergence residuals
- Wide germination window for broad-leaved weeds
- Increasing problems with cruciferous weeds
- impact of problem weeds on grain sample quality
- The intensity of workload around oilseed rape planting time
- Need for rapid establishment
"Many of the key problems that face the UK oilseed rape grower are resolved using Clearfield® technology."
Good Stewardship
- Take care to avoid misapplication of Cleranda to non-Clearfield® oilseed rape
- Cleranda must only be used on oilseed rape hybrids carrying the Clearfield® brand. Treatment of any oilseed rape crop not carrying the Clearfield® brand will result in total crop loss
- Take note of the packaging of both seed and chemical products and ensure they carry the Clearfield® brand. Seed product names will always carry the suffix CL
For specialist advice, contact a member of our crop protection team, click here.
