Country Selector
Three options for keeping new sown leys weed-free
It is important to check new sown leys for any signs of weeds, as any soil cultivation will disturb the weed seed bank and spark extensive germination, advises Ryan Came-Johnson, field technical manager for Corteva Agriscience.
“A wide range of perennial and annual weeds will take advantage of increasing temperatures and a moist seedbed to germinate, including docks, thistles, chickweed, shepherd’s purse, red shank and fat hen,” he says.
“Seedling perennial weeds such as docks and thistles are more susceptible to herbicides at this stage than treating them as mature plants, so early treatment is a good option.”
Many grassland herbicides have approvals that limit their use to established grassland only, ie grass that is over one year old at time of treatment. Corteva Agriscience now has three options for use on new sown leys.
Leystar® is a good choice where thistles are a particular problem. It will also control chickweed, buttercups, dandelions, daisies, docks, mayweed, charlock and cleavers. It can be applied from 1 February to 31 August, so is ideal for spring-sown reseeds. Legumes, including all types of clover will be killed.
Envy® has a higher use rate and is best where docks, both in their seedling form and where plants might be emerging from root fragments left over from the previous sward. It also controls both common and mouse-eared chickweed, dandelions, buttercups, daisies. Applications can be made from 1 February to 30 November – so is useful where leys are reseeded in late summer and autumn. Again, this product kills clover.
Clover-safe product
ProClova® XL is a new option for use on new sown leys where clover is a key component of the seed mix. It has good clover safety and controls a wide range of broad-leaved seedling weeds.
For optimum results spray when overnight temperatures are forecast to be more than 8o centigrade for a period from three days before to three days after application date. Application is spring is recommended for quicker recovery of the clover. Applications can be made between 1 April and 31 July.
“Establishing a new sward is a significant investment, so it pays to look closely at the weeds germinating alongside the grass,” says Ryan. “Choosing the right product to treat the specific problem weeds and spraying at the right time, will always be worthwhile.”
A new sown ley emerges
Weeds are outcompeting the new sown grass in this field
More information from
Ryan Came-Johnson, Field Technical Manager for Grassland, Corteva M: 07795 256896. E: ryan.camejohnson@corteva.com
Notes to editors
Use herbicides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For warning signs and symbols refer to the label.
Leystar contains fluroxypyr, clopyralid and florasulam. Envy contains fluroxypyr and florasulam. ProClova XL contains florpyrauxifen-benzyl (Rinskor) and amidosulfuron.
About Corteva
Corteva, Inc. is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximising productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognised brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfils its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019, and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at https://www.corteva.com/uk
Follow Corteva on Facebook LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
™ ® ℠ Trademarks and service marks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies.
Media Contact:
Sara Gregson
Sara Gregson Marketing Communications
t: 01799 530934 m: 07768 764062 e: sara@saragregson.co.uk