Four herbicides of interest have recently been added to the PCS off-label approval for use on non-food crops. These should be very useful products and are welcome to see. Sencorex Flow is now the third herbicide that can be used on protected ornamentals; Mogeton and Flexidor 500 are the others.
Clomazaone – Centium 360 (AKA Gamit in other countries)
This is a short-term residual with some contact action on small weeds. Apply pre-emergence of crop and before 6 true leaves. It’s not permitted postemergence in forest nurseries or after 6 true leaves on ornamentals. Its reported to give good control of cleavers, shepards purse and deadnettle but be poor on mayweeds, annual grasses and sow thistle. Can be used on forest nurseries and outdoor ornamentals.
Metribuzin – Sencorex flow
This selective herbicide has been long sought after and is a very welcome addition for growers. It controls a broad range of weeds including grasses. In a VUB trial (see above) there was good contact control of AMG, Chickweed and groundsel. It has been suggested that multiple low rate treatments will eliminate phytotoxicity while maintaining good weed control. Can be used on forest nurseries, outdoor ornamentals and protected ornamentals.
Metobromuron – Proman
Has contact and residual mode of action. Results from a VUB tree seed bed trial over 2 years concluded that it was well tolerated by autumn sown seed and it gave good contact control of AMG, Chickweed groundsel. Can be used on forest nurseries and outdoor ornamentals.
Efica 960 EC
Same active and concentration as Dual Gold – both are made by Syngenta however it is yet to be distributed in Ireland. Both have restricted use to before May 31st so this is a product for plans in 2019. There was a small stock of the Dual Gold this year so you might need to be quick off the mark to get hold them next year. Can be used on forest nurseries and outdoor ornamentals.
The Teagasc pesticides blog has some additional updates on pesticides.
