News Releases

News Releases

Reduction in actives is 'significant loss' to cereal weed control armoury

23 November 2007

The imminent loss of key active ingredients for weed control in cereal crops could lead to the end of cereal production in some parts of the UK, says a leading independent agronomist. And while the changing agricultural practices of the last 30 years have seen a constant stream of innovation providing growers with the answer for all their problems “in a tin” - this is now coming to an end.

AICC* agronomist Patrick Stephenson told the British Crop Production Council’s (BCPC’s) ‘annual review of weed control’ that to lose active ingredients such as IPU and trifluralin could result in the end of cereal production in some areas of the country and provide a major concern for the arable industry.

“The loss of IPU will certainly be an issue in the control of weeds in cereals,” he said. “Its cost effectiveness and flexibility will be the major factors lost. However, alternative products are available and although this is inevitably going to lead to an increase in variable costs, it will be sustainable.”

The loss of trifluralin, he said will be significant to the industry. “Although on face value the product provided some control of a wide range of weeds, it could not be described as ‘outstanding’ but its ability to sensitise and aid in improving control on difficult weeds like black-grass was significant. Its loss will put an increase on the reliance of pendimethalin as a tank mix partner thus increasing further the selection pressures on limited chemistry,” he said.

Mr Stephenson went on to say that cereal farming had been fortunate since the late 1970’s in that every time a major resistance problem had come to light a new stream of chemistry, with a new mode of action, was developed. “The arrival of sulfonylurea Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl) in 2003 provided the increased level of grass weed control that was required following the resistance issues associated with IPU and the fop/dim chemistry.

“From the outset, manufacturer Bayer has championed the cause of product stewardship, recommending cultural and mixed chemistry approaches to ensure that Atlantis remains active for as long as possible. Already resistant plants have been found so stewardship is critical,” warned Mr Stephenson.

“We are now staring into the fabled ‘Pandora’s Box’ and there is nothing new on the horizon – only hope. This hope is that we are able to extend the life of Atlantis with good husbandry and stewardship.”

*AICC: Association of Independent Crop Consultants

For further information contact:
Chris Todd, BCPC on 01420 593200
or Andrew Kendall on 01394 610022.