Containing three active ingredients, dimethenamid-p, metazachlor and quinmerac, Shadow is a new and flexible herbicide for winter oilseed rape, offering excellent control of a very wide range of broad-leaved weeds as well as good control of Annual Meadow-grass and Black-grass. It will be a useful addition to the portfolio of pre and early post-emergence herbicides for this profitable crop, says BASF.
"Recently approved in the UK, Shadow contains 200 g/l of dimethenamid-p, 200 g/l of metazachlor and 100 g/l of quinmerac, formulated as a suspo-emulsion. The UK is the first country to benefit from this unique combination of three actives in one easy to use formulation. Shadow has dose rates of 2.0- 2.5 l/ha, with the lower rate being used in situations where weed pressure is lower," says Clare Tucker, Agronomy Manager for BASF.
She explains that the unique combination of three different actives in Shadow offers a robust herbicide option, with a particularly broad range of weeds plus high and consistent levels of control. "The metazachlor contributes to the control of Speedwells, Chickweed, Dead-nettle, Groundsel, Mayweed, Shepherd's-purse, Speedwell, Sow-thistle, Annual Meadow-grass and Black-grass. Dimethenamid-p has a similar weed range to metazachlor and in addition has particular strengths on Crane's-bill and Shepherd's-purse. It is also superior on Poppy and Cleavers but the third active quinmerac is key to adding extra activity and persistence on these two weeds."
Clare explains that Shadow solves all the common weed problems on farms where both Cleavers and Crane's-bill are a problem. "In development trials Shadow gave Cleaver control in the high 90's with very good consistency. It is also the best, most consistent Poppy option following the loss of trifluralin. However even with the best product, the loss of trifluralin is likely to result in more red fields being seen in the future."
She explains that Shadow can be useful in a programme to reduce the grass-weed pressure on post-emergence graminicides. "Shadow gives a similar level of Black-grass control as full rate Novall, around 90% control, and applied at the start of the programme to control Black-grass reduces the exposure to the fops and dims applied later. Dimethenamid-p and metazachlor are both low risk for weed resistance development."
Ms. Tucker explains that Shadow offers greater residual activity with a variety of uptake points in the weed target and this leads to greater activity even in dry conditions. "Dimethenamid-p is taken up via the hypocotyls/coleoptiles and roots, metazachlor is taken up by the roots and quinmerac via leaves and roots, so you can be sure that weed control will be effective."
In terms of timing, Shadow is recommended pre-emergence or early post-emergence from the fully expanded cotyledon of the crop up to seven true leaves of the crop.
Shadow contains 200 g/l of dimethenamid-p, 200 g/l of metazachlor and 100 g/l of quinmerac, formulated as a suspo-emulsion, packed in a 10 litre pack. It is also available as Katamaran Turbo and Elk. It is recommended in Winter Oilseed Rape for the control of broad-leaved weeds plus some grass-weeds including Annual Meadow-grass and Black-grass. Shadow is a residual and contact acting herbicide. It is recommended pre- and early post-emergence at dose rates of 2.0-2.5 l/ha in a minimum of 100 litres of water. The latest time of application is before 7 true leaves (GS17). It is subject to LERAP B.
For further comment and information please contact Clare Tucker, BASF on 07768 687707 (mobile)
