The BASF herbicide Picona (pendimethalin + picolinafen) has been granted full label approval for use pre and post-emergence in spring barley, spring wheat, rye and triticale, adding to its label recommendations in winter wheat and winter barley.
Picona provides both residual and contact activity for the control of both grass and broad leaved weeds. These new additions to the label mean that growers can use Picona on spring wheat and spring barley knowing that these uses are fully approved, rather than using it at their own risk under the EAMU approval.
However growers must be aware that stocks of new labelled product are unlikely to be available this season. Growers need to be in possession of the new product authorisation certificate by downloading a copy from the CRD website in order to use in spring barley, spring wheat, rye and triticale according to the new approvals. Alternatively application of Picona to spring wheat or spring barley can still be made according to the existing EAMU (but pre-em only).
In the spring both crop and weeds grow fast and vigorously. It is therefore important to get rid of weeds early to avoid them competing with the crop. Best results from Picona are achieved by spraying pre-em or early post-emergence of crop and weeds
Annual Meadow-grass is the most widespread grass-weed in spring cereals and Picona controls this weed pre-em up to 2 leaves. However spring cereals are now being grown as part of a black-grass management strategy across the farm. One of the reasons for the increase in spring barley area anticipated this spring. Since around 20% of black-grass germinates in the spring,it is important to use products than can also provide activity against this difficult weed. Pendimethalin (PDM) is the key active for grass and broad leaved weed control in spring cereals and picolinafen complements the PDM providing synergistic post-emergence activity. PDM and picolinafen provide different modes of action for black-grass resistance management as well as excellent activity against ALS resistant chickweed and poppy. Picona will also control Cleavers, Speedwells, Fumitory, Orache, Corn Marigold, Hemp nettle, Dead-nettle, Parsley Piert, Shepherds Purse and Volunteer rape.
Post-emergence applications of Picona to soft, lush crop growth in warm conditions can result in transient yellow blotching on the leaves. The symptoms appear only on treated leaves, do not affect new growth or lead to loss of yield. Application to small actively growing weeds will provide the best control when treating post-emergence. Only one application can be made per crop and the dose rate is 3 l/ha. Dose rates should be maintained to increase weed spectrum and provide sufficient residual activity.
For any EAMU, growers should obtain a copy of the notice of approval via the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) web site, ADAS offices or NFU.
