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Planning weed control for the 2027 cereal crop
With harvest 2026 completed under very dry conditions and many growers considering earlier drilling, now is the time to start planning autumn weed control programmes for the 2027 crop.
While cost will be a major factor in decision-making this season, effective weed control remains one of the best investments growers can make. Uncontrolled grass and broad-leaved weeds compete with crops from the outset, reducing yield potential, increasing harvest difficulties and adding pressure to future rotations.
The current dry conditions may also create new challenges. Limited soil moisture can delay weed germination, not only reducing opportunities for stale seedbeds but also potentially leading to large flushes of weeds when rainfall eventually arrives. Understanding weed pressure before drilling and adapting plans accordingly will be key.
Article written by Hugh Guinan, Field Technical Manager at Corteva Agriscience
Start with the basics
The most successful programmes combine cultural and chemical control measures. Stubble management, stale seedbeds, appropriate glyphosate use, cultivation strategy and drilling date all play an important role in reducing weed pressure before the crop emerges. However, once the crop is established, herbicides remain a vital tool for protecting yield and crop competitiveness.
Focus on the key targets
Italian ryegrass and bromes continue to be among the most challenging grass weeds facing cereal growers. Earlier drilling can increase risk by extending the weed emergence window and increasing competition within the crop.
A robust residual herbicide programme provides the foundation for control, particularly where grass weed pressure is high. In many situations, a follow-up treatment can help maintain efficacy through the autumn and improve overall programme performance.
Where ryegrass or bromes have emerged, pyroxsulam-containing products such as Broadway® Star can provide effective control of small, actively growing weeds while also delivering activity on a range of key broad-leaved weeds.
Think value, not just cost
Reducing herbicide spend may appear attractive, but the cheapest programme is not always the most economical. Weed control decisions should focus on protecting yield, limiting seed return and delivering the best return on investment.
By combining integrated weed management with well-timed herbicide applications, growers can maximise crop competitiveness, reduce weed pressure and put the 2027 cereal crop in the strongest possible position.
Key takeaways:
- Dry conditions may delay weed emergence but increase the risk of large flushes later.
- Early-drilled crops can face greater grass weed pressure.
- Integrated weed management starts before drilling.
- Build programmes around the key weeds present in each field.
- Robust residual herbicides remain the foundation of control.
- Broadway Star provides post-emergence control of ryegrass, bromes and key broad-leaved weeds.
- Focus on long-term value and yield protection, not just upfront programme cost.
You may also be interested in:
"Preparing for success: key weed control decisions before drilling cereals". Read the article here.
