Pre-emergence residual herbicide aclonifen can now be applied in field beans (winter and spring) and peas, offering growers another option against broad-leaved weeds.

Marketed as Emerger, approval gives pulse growers a new  active, although authorisation does not include vining peas.

The news will likely be welcomed by growers, given the low number of pre-emergence herbicides authorised for use in these crops, says Richard Phillips, Bayer campaign manager for roots and horticulture crops.

See also: How starter fertiliser can raise pulse yields by 17%

“As the only aclonifen product on the market, the authorisation for Emerger in peas and beans means growers now have access to a herbicide with a broad spectrum of activity.

“Its novel mode of action will also support efforts to promote resistance management,” says Richard

Among broad-leaved weeds, aclonifen offers good activity on fat hen, redshank, black bindweed, mayweeds, charlock, chickweed and poppy as well as moderate control of blackgrass (from seed).

“It is primarily absorbed by the shoot of germinating weeds, this is advantageous in dry conditions such as those that typically occur in the spring when seeking to establish spring crops,” Richard adds.

To promote all-round weed control and protect efficacy, Bayer will support Emerger in mixes with one other herbicide so long as minimum application rates are observed (see table).

“It is prudent to ensure Emerger is partnered with a product belonging to another mode of action group to support effective control and protect efficacy. Depending on the crop and the weed spectrum to be managed, we have identified those products and inclusion rates that give growers the greatest means possible of achieving the control they desire,” says Richard.