NEW APPROVAL for the use of an existing contact-acting herbicide will give growers more choice in the control of a range of broadleaved weeds, manufacturers claim.

The changes mean that Shark (carfentrazone) can be used prior to planting in any edible or non-edible crops, Belchim Crop Protection has announced.

“This new approval will be particularly useful for controlling those weeds that prove to be difficult for existing herbicides,” said the firm‘s Simon Leak.

It will be particularly useful where the number of ‘in crop‘ herbicide options are limited, such as controlling annual nettle in vegetables, the firm said.

Shark is also approved for use on seed and ware potatoes at a rate of 0.333 litres/ha for controlling weeds including; black bindweed, charlock, cleavers and hemp nettle, the firm said.