Dow AgroSciences has launched AstroKerb®, a tailored formulation of propyzamide the outstanding answer to controlling blackgrass and other grass weeds in oilseed rape, together with aminopyralid to extend its control of key broad-leaved weeds.
 

"For decades, the name Kerb® has been associated with effective control of pernicious grass weeds such as blackgrass in the rotation, even where resistance has built up to standard herbicides used in cereal crops," says Dow AgroSciences' David Roberts. "AstroKerb delivers this same performance, but the addition of a small amount of aminopyralid will enhance performance against certain broad leaved weeds such as mayweed, poppy and thistle."
 

AstroKerb contains 500 gai/l propyzamide and 5.3 gai/l aminopyralid. Applied, before 1 February, at the 1.7L/ha rate the new product will deliver the same level of propyzamide as Kerb 500Flo – the proven rate for effective blackgrass control. AstroKerb can also be used in a programme with a specific graminicide applied earlier in the growing season.  
 

AstroKerb is supplied as a soluble concentrate (SC) formulation in 10L packaging which has been developed by Dow AgroSciences to remove the need for foil seals and their inherent challenge of disposal.
 

"AstroKerb has been seen at demonstration trials around the UK, under the code name GF2540 for the past three years," says Mr Roberts. "Its performance has been consistent with that of Kerb 500FLO, with added benefits.
 

"We see this as the latest in a range of innovations from Dow AgroSciences."