Cleavers warning
Cleavers warning
INADEQUATELY cleaned or uncleaned farm-saved seed could cause big cleavers problems this autumn, warns a Notts-based adviser.
Samples handled by agrochemical supplier Fieldcare of Gamston, Retford, suggest significant cleavers contamination of farm-saved seed this season, says technical director David Kirkham. Fieldcare also does farm-saved seed testing and cleaning.
"Its surprising how many oilseed rape fields that appear to be clean actually contain low levels of cleavers. This will launch a much bigger problem if the seed is saved and sown without being cleaned."
• Arrival of Katamaran this autumn gives growers with cleavers problems a big step forward, he adds. "Until now the best cleavers control has been from Butisan, giving 50-60% control. Katamaran has given us over 90% control and it compares very favourably with Butisans 2.5l/ha rate."