It Starts Here… Get Ahead with a Strong Start: Build a Robust Pre-emergence Residual Weed Control Programme

Two products from ADAMA that can play an important role in autumn cereal programmes are ANTHEM® and TOWER®, offering growers different approaches to building effective residual weed control.

ANTHEM®: Long-lasting residual control with advanced SC technology

ANTHEM® contains 400 g/l pendimethalin and provides long-lasting residual activity against a range of grass and broad-leaved weeds. Approved for use in winter wheat, winter barley, durum wheat, triticale and winter rye ANTHEM® can be applied from pre-emergence through to before the leaf-sheath erect stage.

Its advanced SC (suspension concentrate) formulation technology delivers higher efficacy against weeds compared with standard CS (capsule suspension) formulations of the same active ingredient. It also offers practical benefits at application, with easy-pour and easy-rinse qualities.

ANTHEM® is well suited to use as part of a broader residual programme, helping to strengthen black-grass control where additional activity is required. An average of 8 independent trials show an uplift of 14% control when 3l/ha of ANTHEM® is added to a Proclus + Liberator mix.

TOWER®: An exclusive three-way co-formulation

TOWER® provides a different approach, combining three active ingredients in one formulation: 250 g/l chlorotoluron, 40 g/l diflufenican and 300 g/l pendimethalin. TOWER® offers flexibility, with use approved as a pre or post emergence treatment in winter wheat, barley, triticale and rye.

The combination provides activity as a stand alone product against annual meadow-grass and a range of broad-leaved weeds, making TOWER® a versatile component of autumn cereal weed control programmes.

In fields with more challenging grassweed populations, it can form part of a broader, integrated residual programme, whether that be based on Cinmethylin or Aclonifen. The inclusion of three different active ingredients also provides a useful contribution to resistance-management strategies when used as part of an appropriate programme incorporating different modes of action.

Get the pre-emergence application right

Whatever the weed burden or programme being considered, application timing and conditions remain critical to achieving the best possible performance from residual herbicides.

Where conditions allow, a timely pre-emergence application should remain a key consideration. Applying residual chemistry early, into a well-prepared and consolidated seedbed, helps put weed control in place before weeds emerge and compete with the establishing crop.

With autumn conditions becoming increasingly unpredictable, having a clear plan and understanding which fields require the greatest level of protection can help growers make the most of the pre-emergence window.

The key message this autumn is simple: don't wait for weeds to emerge before thinking about weed control. Plan the programme, target the right fields and make the most of your pre-emergence window.

It starts here.

Always read and follow the product label. Use plant protection products safely and in accordance with current approval and stewardship guidance.