Weed Control In Root Crops

21 Apr 2021
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For cost-effective weed control in root crops, the emphasis must be placed on pre-emergence application of herbicides. Every year we receive a large number of calls from concerned growers who have applied no herbicide at all and who are concerned that their root crop is disappearing under a sea of weeds. By this point, it is usually too late to save the crop!

By planning ahead and making weed control decisions when the seed is ordered, it is possible to avoid many of the pitfalls and ensure the crop gets a good, clean start and establishes vigorously.

Residual herbicides cannot be applied to broadcast crops. For reasons of crop safety, the seed must be drilled and covered completely by settled soil. Pre-emergence applications should be made before the crop seed chits, which may occur within 48 hours of drilling, so it is important to have everything ready beforehand.

The table below summarises the products available for pre-emergence application to root crops.

Product	Timing	Stubble Turnips	Swede	Kale	Fodder Rape	Rate	Pack Size
Sultan 50 Sc	Pre-Emergence	No	No	Yes	No	1.5L/Ha	5L
Gamit 36 Cs	Pre-Emergence	No	Yes	Yes	No	0.25L/Ha	1L
Springbok	Pre-Emergence	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	1.5L/Ha	10L
Dual Gold	Pre-Emergence Do Not Apply After 31st May	Yes	Yes	No	No	1.4L/Ha	5L
Dual Gold	Pre-Emergence Do Not Apply After 31st May			Yes	No	0.7L/Ha	5L

All of these products are applied under the terms of an Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) and the requirements of the EAMU must be followed along with information on the product label.

For more information about products, rates and timing, please speak to your Wynnstay Agronomist or call Dr Simon Pope, Crop Protection Manager on 01939 210555.