Atlantis WG in March has hefty penalty

By Natalie Reed

21 February 2012

New analysis of trials data shows how delaying applications of Atlantis WG (mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron) can increase yield penalties dramatically.

Trials conducted by Bayer CropScience over several years demonstrate that while percentage black-grass control remains consistent between February and March applications, yield losses rise from 1.3t/ha to 2.1t/ha.

“The trend continues into April but then percentage control drops too,” says product manager Chris Cooksley. “By this month a further penalty of 0.8t/ha can be seen. This is an average though – at some trial sites up to 40% of yield was lost by April.”

The warning comes as a return to higher temperatures encourages growth in already forward grass weeds.

“Clearly it pays to start applications as soon as conditions allow,” he says. “Weeds compete with crops for light, nutrients and water. Even when an application of Atlantis has been made, grass weeds continue to steal from the crop for a short period of time.

Latest News in Cereals

Strong arguments for growing herbage seeds presented at Cereals
New Hovis farmers' loaf - supplied by Gleadell farmers
Milling wheat – a potential opportunity for 2013
New Cereal Disease ID app from BASF
AtlasFram joins LEAF
Cereals 2012: Bayer CropScience showcases new mobile apps
Maximising green growth and grain fill
Orange wheat blossom midge resistance in wheat makes crop management easier
Cereals 2012: Innovations in crop protection, plant breeding and a new malting barley variety
Watch out for Saddle Gall midge

“This all adds up and by April the ability of the crop to compensate diminishes too.

“An application costs the same whether it is done in February, March or April but the increasing loss of yield means that holding back does not make financial sense even when the reason behind a later application is to catch late emerging weeds.”