With an expected increase in the spring crop area this season, the timely approval of Avadex Factor (tri-allate) for spring wheat is welcome.
The liquid formulation of the granular herbicide produced by Gowan, has gained spring wheat label recommendation, giving growers an additional tool against grassweeds. The development means Avadex Factor has full label approval in winter and spring wheat and barley.
“The new label recommendation for Avadex Factor is particularly beneficial for growers who don’t have access to a granule applicator,” said Hank King, UK and Ireland business manager for Gowan. “Wild oats, a key grassweed target in spring-drilled cereals, are highly susceptible to tri-allate, but don’t forget that it will also do the excellent job on black-grass, ryegrass and bromes that we typically witness in winter crops.”
Another consideration is herbicide resistance. UK wild oats have shown resistance to ACCase and ALS chemistry, but there is currently no resistance to tri-allate, which brings a different mode of action.
Mr King added that growers still hoping to sow winter wheat varieties with a low vernalisation requirement have until the end of January for these to be classified as winter cereals, according to the pesticide labels.
“Most other pre-emergence herbicide options have a reduced rate for spring crops. However, the label rate of Avadex Excel 15G and Avadex Factor is the same for the autumn and spring. This gives farmers the flexibility to sow when the conditions are right and not have to worry about changing herbicide recommendations, potentially compromising control,” he said.
If spring crops are replacing a failed autumn crop, growers should be cautious about what crop is sown, especially if tri-allate has been applied in the autumn. Oats should not be planted within 12 months but spring barley can be established safely.
Growers looking at niche market spring crops are also advised to check the label. Avadex Factor has Extension of Authority for a Minor Use (EAMU) approvals in spring linseed and corn gromwell (Ahiflower).
