Maize growers are set to benefit from another post-emergence herbicide this season that controls a broad spectrum of weeds.

Early weed control with pre-emergence herbicides is essential in maize establishment to avoid yield losses from competition, however, this often needs to be followed by a post-emergence spray for more difficult-to-control weeds.

See also: 6-step guide to successful maize establishment

The approval of pyridate by the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) offers growers another post-emergence option this spring.

Diva (pyridate) is approved for use in both forage and grain maize, explains Belchim’s marketing and development country manager Simon Leak.

“In 2016, pyridate was re-registered in Europe for 15 years and presents a long term option for growers and their advisers,” he says.

“Diva is an ideal tank mix partner for a range of chemistry including nicosulfuron and mesotrione.”

He adds that the active delivers speed of action, control of many key weeds including cranesbill, fumitory, fat hen, nightshade and mugwort and has no following crop restrictions.

As pyridate has a different mode of action to its tank mixture partners, it can also be a tool for effective resistance management, he adds.

Diva is a emulsifiable concentrate formulation containing 600 g/litre of the active.

The dose is flexible depending on weed size, but for optimum control, Mr Leak says the application timing should be when weeds are at the 2-4 leaf stage.