Groundkeepers need a double dose treatment
Groundkeepers need a double dose treatment
THIS seasons reduced spray window for controlling volunteer potatoes in sugar beet means growers using Dow Shield (clopyralid) in mixes with ethofumesate and phenmedipham should apply two 0.5 litre/ha doses rather than the three 0.35 litre/ha treatments advisable in more normal years, says the firms Claire Murfitt.
Late beet drilling makes controlling volunteers more urgent than usual, and the wet weather that hindered sowing has been perfect for groundkeeper growth, she says.
Sugar beet canopies develop slowly compared with the rapid build up of potato haulm. Just one potato/sq m can trim beet yield by 3t/ha, she notes.
"Early and effective potato control is important if crop returns are to be preserved. The important point is to get the whole litre on to ensure complete and rapid haulm control." Adding clopyralid to tank mixes also boosts control of broad-leaved weeds, especially polygonums, she adds. *