It is a successor to the well-known products Atlantis (mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron) and Pacifica Plus (mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron + amidosulfuron). A new active, thiencarbazone, has been added to make a three-way co-formulation that offers better all-round control.

Trial results show a 5% improvement in black-grass and Italian ryegrass control and as much as a 10% increase on bromes compared to the next best product; Pacifica Plus. Cranesbill, charlock, poppy and mayweeds are just some of the key broad-leaves controlled by Atlantis Star.

Bayer Campaign Manager Tom Chillcott stresses that the new product is not a resistance-buster but against susceptible populations it is a valuable step-up. “5-10% additional grass weed control doesn’t sound huge, but it means fewer seeds maturing and reaching the seedbank to be dealt with next year. Everything a farmer can do to reduce seed return helps long-term weed control.”

“The situation with post-emergence herbicides is complicated by resistance, we know there are fields and farms with grass weeds, particularly black-grass where an ALS post-em like Atlantis is not right. But resistance testing and sales show there are still very many places where farmers are using post-ems to good effect and could benefit from Atlantis Star.”

It is approved for use in winter wheat between GS13–32 from 1 February. Mr Chillcott urges users to pay close attention to application conditions and technique as these have a huge influence on the success of a post-em. Active growth, sufficient drying time and using a fine-medium spray that can settle on the target are essential for success.