Control of Broadleaf Weeds in Cereal and Pea Crops

Winter cereals, under the influence of temperature conditions and the gradual decrease of snow cover, are in a state of shallow dormancy. With the onset of consistently higher temperatures, they will resume vegetation and will require a range of protective and stimulating measures, one of the key ones being the control of weed vegetation, emphasize Ukravit.

This is reported by AgroReview

“The specificity of the spring period in the context of protective measures for crops – is primarily a very narrow ‘window’ during which all necessary treatments must be completed, – notes the head of the agronomy department at Ukravit. – Special attention should be paid to controlling weed vegetation during this time: as favorable temperature conditions arise, it develops faster than cultivated plants and actively competes for nutrients, moisture, and light. Indirectly, weed infestation can also influence the damage to crops by other harmful organisms, for which unwanted vegetation serves as a reservoir. How to choose the optimal solution? The first rule is an individual approach to each field. This involves considering the preceding crop, the dominant type of weed infestation, its density per unit area, the presence of specific weed species, etc. By analyzing all these factors, it is possible to select the optimal active substance and determine the necessary rate of herbicide or mixture.”

If broadleaf weed species dominate the field, particularly field horsetail, crucifers, sunflower or rapeseed volunteers, and other accompanying weeds, Oleksandr recommends using the selective herbicide Agrostar (dimethylamine salt of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid 500 g/l, in acid equivalent 410 g/l). Its active ingredient is of the auxin type and promotes intense cell division, enhancing respiratory processes where ATP is not produced. The main action on weeds lies in regulating growth processes in meristematic tissues, which affects the exchange of nucleic acids, protein synthesis, and other physiological processes, ultimately leading to weed death.

Agrostar destroys annual and perennial broadleaf weeds in cereal crops, peas, flax, corn, millet, sorghum, and rice. It controls sunflower and rapeseed volunteers, common ragweed, field bindweed, white goosefoot, various thistle species, and other common weeds, and also demonstrates high effectiveness in controlling field horsetail. At the same time, it is extremely gentle on cultivated plants.

A significant advantage is the wide “technological window” for applying the herbicide. In cereal crops, it can be applied from tillering to the flag leaf stage, which is particularly relevant during rapid progression through phenological phases of growth and development.