Spring wheat growers have another option for controlling wild oats and broad-leaved weeds in their crops, following approval of a key product used in winter wheat.

Dow AgroSciences has successfully secured approval for Broadway Star (pyroxsulam, cloquintocet-mexyl and florasulam) in spring wheat.

See also: Ways to cut the risk of herbicide-resistant weeds

Widely used in winter wheat, the post-emergence grassweed killer is valuable in tackling spring-germinating wild oats, said Alex Nichols, Dow’s cereal herbicide product manager.

In addition, the herbicide gives spring growers a new option in the fight against yield-robbing broad-leaved weeds such as poppy, cleavers, brassica weeds, cranesbill, groundsel, speedwells and pansy.

Applications can be made from 1 March to 31 May (growth stage 21 to 32) and the maximum rate for the spring crop is 200g/ha.

Dr Nichols added that it is safe on all varieties, regardless of when they were sown.

“For optimum results growers should follow the basic principles of ALS chemistry by waiting for weeds to display active growth before treatment,” said Dr Nichols.

“An adjuvant must be used and applications should be made using a fine to medium spray quality.”