As winter cereal drilling continues in parts of northern England and Scotland, Dow AgroSciences is advising farmers to act now on sterile brome and great brome control to ensure the best results from contact graminicides.

“Bromes become very difficult to control above growth stage 24,” says Iain Sampson, Dow AgroSciences regional business manager for the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. “We strongly advise treating in the autumn if possible.

“For fields that have been drilled and where a pre-emergence herbicide was effective, check fields regularly for signs of active brome growth before applying post-emergence contact treatments.”

Dow AgroSciences recommends a tank mix of 265 g/l Broadway Star (pyroxsulam florasulam) and 1.75 l/ha (800g ai/ha) Stomp Aqua (pendimethalin) plus an approved adjuvant, to ensure residual control over the winter.

Where the effect of pre-emergence treatment was delayed, or sub-optimal, wait for active brome growth before applying.

In cases where no pre emergence was applied, the rate of pendimethalin can be increased from 800g ai/ha to 1000g ai/ha (2.2 l/ha) to improve the residual action.

In addition to sterile brome and great brome, Broadway Star also offers effective control of ryegrass and wild oats, plus a range of broad-leaved weeds.