Teagasc are excited to partner with Kellys Nursery this autumn for a nursery stock workshop. The event will open with refreshment and networking followed by
- Demonstration of key skills in growing media testing
- Discussing recent results of Teagasc growing media research and trials.
- Demonstration of Kellys composting system and key infrastructure
- Updates on Plant protection products and activities of the Minor Use Working Group
- Nursery stock and industry updates
Please register your attendance at this important nursery stock event.
Autumn weed control in field grown stock
Autumn is a crucial time for herbicide application, offering a prime window to control weeds and manage the weed seed bank for the following year. This strategy involves carefully timed applications of pre- and post-emergence herbicides to ensure both crop safety and long-term control.
Once stock is dormant, an application of a residual herbicide mix can provide a long-lasting barrier against germinating weeds. This is essential for preventing weed growth through the winter months.
- Dormant Season Mixes: A proven combination is a tank mix of Sencorex Flow (metribuzin), Stomp Aqua (pendimethalin), and Sunfire (flufenacet). This powerful mix creates a broad-spectrum residual barrier, effective against many of the weeds that emerge during the cooler seasons. This is the last season sencorex will be available and growers should run down stock instead of looking at costly disposal next year.
- Targeting Perennials: For established perennial weeds like thistles, willow herb, and docks, early autumn is the ideal time for treatment. As these plants prepare for winter dormancy, they actively move nutrients down to their roots for storage. A careful, spot application of a translocated herbicide like glyphosate at this time will be highly effective, as the product is moved deep into the root system, ensuring complete control. However, use caution to avoid contact with crops.
Herbicide Programmes for New Plantings
Newly planted or recently budded stock requires a carefully timed approach to ensure crop safety.
- Post-Planting: For newly planted dormant trees, a programme including Sencorex Flow, Stomp Aqua, Venzar 500 SC (lenacil), and Sunfire has been found to be safe and effective. It’s important to apply this only when plants are completely dormant.
- Post-Heading Back: After heading back, a similar combination of Sencorex Flow, Stomp Aqua, and Sunfire provides a safe and effective treatment to keep rows clean.
Key Weeds and Herbicide Options
Targeting specific weeds with the right products is a cornerstone of effective weed control.
- Annual Meadow Grass: This resilient weed thrives in cool, damp conditions. An autumn application of a pre-emergence herbicide like Kerb Flo (2.1 L/ha, one application per year) is useful in its control.
- Chickweed and Speedwell: These common annuals can be controlled with a contact herbicide. Spotlight (carfentrazone-ethyl) at 0.8 L/ha can be applied up to twice per year for effective knockdown. Brighter conditions give better impact.
- Perennial Weeds: As they prepare for winter, perennial weeds like creeping thistle, willow herb and docks are most vulnerable. Use translocated herbicides, but be mindful of the risk of damage to the crop.
Key Herbicide Products
Note that some products have use-up dates, so be sure to check PCRD website and off label lists for approval. .
Pre-emergence with limited knockdown:
- Wing P (dimethenamid-p and pendimethalin): 4 L/ha
- Sunfire (flufenacet): 0.48 L/ha (max once per year)
- Stomp Aqua (pendimethalin): 2.9 L/ha
- Venzar (lenacil): 1 L/ha
These products should only be applied to fully dormant stock. Please note that Sencorex (metribuzin) has a use-up date of November 24th, 2025.
- Roxy 800 (prosulfocarb): 5 L/ha
- Hurricane (diflufenicane): 0.25 L/ha
- Butisan S (metazochlor): 1.5 L/ha
- Oblix (ethofumesate): 0.3 – 0.6 L/ha
Reminder – Glyphosate products label change
Please note that some glyphosate products will be withdrawn from the market at the end of September 2025. This withdrawal was announced last year, with replacement products and labels introduced throughout 2024.
Professionals will still be able to buy glyphosate through their usual suppliers, but with updated product labels and usage instructions. You can view the full list of products being withdrawn here.
Reminder New EAMU for PPP
See full Updated EAMU for non-food crops Feb 2025
- Lakota – Chlorantraniliprole 200g/L Protected tomato, forest nursery, forestry and ornamental outdoor. Similar to Coragen this product controls larvae and caterpillars.
- SHENZI Chlorantraniliprole 200g/L outdoor ornamentals
- Laguna Chlorantraniliprole 200g/L outdoor ornamentals
- Vertipin – Sulphur 700g/L SC Protected & outdoor: Ornamentals and strawberry. Protected: Tomato and aubergine. Sulphur is a useful product for control of powdery mildew, and this is a welcome addition for protected ornamentals.
- PROBLAD – Aqueous extract from the germinated seeds of sweet Lupinus albus 100% w/w (containing 20% w/w BLAD protein) SL Outdoor & protected crops of ornamentals, etc. This biological fungicide has been authorised for the control of Mildew and botrytis.
These and additional products are listed here for EAMU for edible and non-crop.
Herbicide Flufenacet non-renewal
The EU Commission recently agreed not to reauthorize Flufenacet in the coming year. Registration expired on June 15th with member states authorised to extend a grace period of 12 months for use up though this is up to each state. Flufenecet is an active ingredient in the following herbicides approved for use with ornamental plants: Sirinova, Sunfire, Cadou Star, Firebird, Naceto and Riber. Irish use up dates will be published by PCS and relayed here.
Resources to Help with Generational Renewal
Planning for the future of your nursery or farm is a critical step in ensuring its long-term viability. The recent Generational Renewal Week provided valuable insights and tools to help with this process. The recently revised Guide to Transferring the Family Farm 2025 – Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority is now available. If you weren’t able to attend, you can now access all the information online.
Teagasc have made all three webinars from the week available to watch at your convenience. These sessions are packed with expert advice and are a great resource
- Collaborative Arrangements: Learn about different types of partnerships and how they can work for your farm.
- Succession and Inheritance: Get practical advice on starting the conversation about succession, the importance of making a will, and what you need to know about inheritance.
- Farm Transfer Taxes: Understand the taxes and reliefs associated with transferring a farm to the next generation.
You can view all the recorded webinars on Teagasc.ie at or on YouTube.
Upcoming Transferring the Family Farm Clinics
Building on the success of Generational Renewal Week, Teagasc are hosting a series of Transferring the Family Farm clinics. These events are a fantastic opportunity to speak directly with experts about all aspects of succession planning. The first clinic will be in Gort on Tuesday, September 30th. Followed by events in Roscommon, Tipperary, Waterford, West Cork, and Monaghan. See details here.
From Monday, 22 September to Friday, 26 September, Teagasc will host Soil Health Week, a dedicated weeklong initiative designed to support and inspire farmers, students and the general public with the latest insights, innovations, and practical guidance on soil health. From informative podcasts and live “Ask the Expert” webinar, to farm walks, expert-led lectures, and engaging talks, the week offers a packed schedule aimed at deepening understanding and sparking conversation around sustainable soil management.
To add to the excitement, we’re also hosting a Soil in Focus Photo Competition, inviting horticulturalists, farmers and enthusiasts to capture the complexity and life of soil in action, with fantastic prizes up for grabs. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just curious about soil health, there’s something for everyone.
Remaining events this week include:
Thursday, 25 September | 11am
GroundTruth Farm Walk Pat and Tony Dunne, Tentoire, Ballycolla, Co. Laois, R32 WR62
Friday, 26 September | 9.30am
Signpost Webinar – Diverse Soils with Dr. David Wall Register for the Diverse Soils webinar here!
Friday, 26 September | 2pm
Soil Health with Dr Luis Lopez-Sangil, Teagasc Wexford Town Library, Mallin Street, Wexford, Y35 AY20
Friday, 26 September | 2pm
GroundTruth Farm Walk Gold River Farm, Kilacloran, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow. Eircode: Y14 CK40
Find full details and registration details here.
Health and safety – Tetanus Risk from Soil
As the tree lifting season approaches it is a good time to review your vaccinations and that of your employees.
Tetanus, commonly known as “lockjaw,” is a serious, yet preventable, disease caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. The bacteria’s spores are ubiquitous and can survive for years in soil, dust, and animal feces.
An infection occurs when these spores enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, or puncture wound. Once inside, the spores germinate and produce a powerful toxin that attacks the nervous system, leading to painful and violent muscle spasms, stiffness, and difficulty breathing and swallowing. In severe cases, the muscle contractions can be so intense they cause bone fractures, and the disease can be fatal.
The best defense against tetanus is vaccination. The tetanus vaccine is highly effective, but its protection wanes over time, so regular booster shots are crucial. Healthcare professionals recommend a booster every 10 years, or sooner if you sustain a deep or dirty wound. If you get a cut while working outdoors, or from an object that’s been in contact with soil, thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water and seek medical advice, especially if you’re unsure of your vaccination status.
- September 22nd – 26th Teagasc Soil Health Week
- September 30th: Transferring the Family Clinics running for 3 weeks in various locations.
- October 22nd Nursery stock workshop and technical updates event
