The time for post-emergence weed control in oilseed rape and beans will soon be upon us. Dow AgroSciences are warning farmers and advisors to be aware that there are significant differences between the forms of propyzamide potentially available to them this autumn and not all propyzamides are the same.
"Farmers choose products on the basis of a number of criteria, price being just one, but when it comes to the well known and widely used herbicide propyzamide, they need to be sure of exactly what’s in the pack," says Robin Bentley, Broad-leaved Crop Product Manager for Dow AgroSciences.
"Last autumn we had a number of reports of generic material being sold as a parallel product, despite there being no generic approvals. Farmers bought these products thinking that they were cheaper options from Dow AgroSciences, but were disappointed to learn that it was not. The colour, solvent systems, viscosity and other characteristics were as different as chalk and cheese. It is very clear that not all propyzamides are the same," reports Robin Bentley.
Robin explains when it comes to formulation, tank mixing ability is a key variant and a strong indicator of quality. "With new products for use in oilseed rape coming into the market every year, Dow AgroSciences invests much time and effort each year in testing Kerb’s compatibilities. We have found some dramatic and significant differences between Dow AgroSciences branded propyzamide and alternatives."
"We can show that things can go distressingly wrong with generic alternatives, causing real practical problems. When a "look alike" form of propyzamide was mixed with tepraloxydim, it became impossible to put through the sprayer."
"By contrast the unique and stable formulation of Kerb Flo has proven to be a good tank mix partner and can easily be included in this and many other important tank mixes, without any problems," says Robin.
He also points out that product colour and viscosity are major indicators of manufacturing origin and quality. "All liquid propyzamide from Dow AgroSciences has a unique brown colour, whereas non-Dow material is whiter with a different viscosity. This brown colour is a good indicator that it is Dow manufactured and that it will be of high specification and easily tank- mixable. Another key indicator of provenance is the traceability logo on the label. To plagiarise a well known advertising phrase – it does exactly what it says on the pack- and a little more, since there are the benefits of a wide range of SOLAs that are specific to Kerb Flo."
Robin explains that Dow AgroSciences manufactured propyzamide includes Kerb Flo, Menace, Precis, Quaver, Flomide and Engage. "All these brands have top quality formulations and will behave exactly as you would expect, in terms of performance and tank-mixing."
By choosing Kerb Flo or other Dow AgroSciences manufactured propyzamide, advisors and growers will be supporting and benefiting from an extensive and on-going Stewardship Programme. "Dow AgroSciences are keenly aware of the implications of the EU Drinking Water Directive and the importance of reducing pesticides in surface water. Consequently they are actively involved in environmental stewardship, investing substantial sums on trials and strategic communication."
Robin reports that the work undertaken by Dow AgroSciences will improve the industries and regulators’ understanding of how tiny quantities of product can move into water, of how buffer strips can limit surface water contamination and what the impact of different cultivation regimes would be. "In addition we are investigating novel formulation technologies which may help in this area."
"It is vital that everyone plays their part in keeping this valuable herbicide out of water, so that it can be used in the future. Without the necessary investment, the future of this essential herbicide could be in doubt. By supporting Dow manufactured propyzamide, farmers and advisors are playing a vital role in retaining the agricultural industries freedom to operate sustainable profitable rotations and the opportunity to fight back against resistant grass-weeds including black-grass."
Kerb Flo (400g/L suspension concentrate) is recommended in winter oilseed rape, winter beans and a wide range of other crops for the control of cereal volunteers, annual meadow-grass, black-grass, brome, wild-oats, chickweed, bindweed, fat hen, redshank, small nettle speedwells and black nightshade. In oilseed rape Kerb Flo has a wide window of application of four months, from the 1st of October through to the end of January. It is recommended at dose rates of 1.7 l/ha or 2.1 l/ha and is compatible with a wide range of graminicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
