Controlling weeds in reseeded leys containing clover is made easier when applying this new and effective herbicide.
Following the early spring, which provided plenty of opportunities for reseeding, weather patterns have still made it difficult to get post-emergent spray timing right.
Extensive spells of dry weather led to reseeds emerging at different stages, with weeds, in many cases, emerging well before grasses. This is where ProClova XL, the new herbicide from Corteva Agriscience, comes into play.
Launched last year, ProClova XL is the ideal product for using in newly sown leys. Containing two active ingredients – Rinskor and amidosulfuron – ProClova XL provides the widest spectrum of weed control in newly sown leys.
“The ideal timing for ProClova XL is about six to eight weeks after reseeding,” said Chris Maughan, technical manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, distributors of ProClova XL on the Irish market.
“The grass should be at the tillering stage, with three trifoliate leaves on the clover at the time of application,” explains Chris. “The weeds should be small and actively growing, and this ensures that they are eliminated out of the sward early and prevents them from smothering out the grass.“
ProClova XL controls a wide range of weeds including chickweed, docks and other annual weeds, including fat-hen, red dead nettle and redshank.
“Chickweed, if not controlled, can totally smother out the grass. If these fields are not sprayed, the chickweed will continue to flourish, killing out the grass seedlings, which then allows other weeds such as docks, thistles and buttercups to germinate. The end result will be a very poor pasture and a wasted investment.”
Chris also highlighted the damage docks can wreak on a new reseed.
“Killing docks at the seedling stage is vital,” he said. “This ensures total kill and prevents the docks from establishing a deep taproot.”
Where weeds have emerged before the grass and are large, ProClova XL can be used at the higher established grassland rate (one pack to treat 2ha), to target these large weeds once there is over 90% ground cover of both the weeds and grass present.
This will ensure a better kill of those bigger weeds, especially docks. Ideally, swards should be grazed in the following weeks to allow light get to the base of the crop, which in turn helps the clover to grow. It is also important to apply ProClova XL during periods of active growth to get the best weed control.
So ideally wait until temperatures are above 8°C at night for a minimum of three days before and after the application of ProClova XL.
This would be of more significance when applications are made later into the autumn.
Talk to your advisor or find out more at www.corteva.ie/forage. For further advice call Whelehan Crop Protection on 01 574 2410 or email cropprotection@tpwhelehan.ie
New leys should be sprayed when the clover reaches the three trifoliate leaf stage, according to Chris Whelehan of Whelehan Crop Protection.
‘Target new leys when the grass has reached the tillering stage and clover has reached the three trifoliate stage,’ said Chris
ProClova XL is available in a box containing two bottles – ProClova and XL. ProClova contains the herbicides, Rinskor and amidosulfuron, while the XL bottle contains an adjuvant oil which improves and reliability of weed control, while providing maximum safety to both the grass and clover.
Established Grassland
ProClova XL can also be used on established grassland where clover preservation is key. It provides the highest level of dock control available in clover swards and is also effective on other weeds like dandelions, buttercups, plantains, hogweeds and cow parsley. For optimum control, spray actively growing weeds at the correct growth stage, eight to 10 inches across and at the rosette stage. If weeds have grown beyond the correct growth stage, top them and spray regrowth with ProClova XL.
Clover Safety
A transitory effect (leaf deformation/growth inhibition) may be seen following application, but full recovery will follow after two/three grazings.
Red Clover
When used on grass leys containing red clover, ProClova XL should be applied in the year after establishment – so reseeds sown last autumn containing red clover can be sprayed this spring.
ProClova XL Key Points and Best Practice Advise
- Use from April to October in new leys.
- Rate In new sown leys: 85grms + 165mls per hectare (one pack treats 3ha).
- In established grass or where ground cover is greater than 90% use the higher rate 125grms + 250mls per hectare (one pack to 2ha).
- Controls key weeds including docks, chickweed, fat-hen, redshanks and red dead nettle.
- In established grassland it also controls dandelions, buttercups, plantains, cow parsley and hogweeds.
- Rainfast in one hour and livestock should be kept off for seven days post-treatment (in the absence of ragwort).
- Use from the tillering stage of the grass and when the clover has three trifoliate leaves present.
- Apply ProClova XL with at least 75% drift reducing nozzles.
- Do not apply ProClova XL to fi elds where an intersecting watercourse is present (ie where the land parcel slopes towards a watercourse and any surface water run-off would drain into that watercourse).
- When spraying fi elds, respect an unsprayed buffer zone to watercourses of 3m.
- Scan the QR code for guidelines:
