Autumn storms disrupted wheat drilling so there may be some very late drilled wheat crops in the ground this January. Bayer has issued guidance on the rules for using herbicides in these crops.

"We've seen in other wet autumns that some farmers will drill in the middle of winter if conditions seem promising," says Bayer Campaign Manager Tom Chillcott. "The key date is 1 February. Any wheat variety drilled before this date is classed as a winter crop for which there are more herbicide options available than for spring crops but check labels carefully for the exact rules."

Mr Chillcott stresses that label rates often apply to winter wheat varieties drilled before 1 February only. Spring wheat varieties, even if they are drilled in January have a more limited range of chemistry available.