Published on 03/08/2023
Change it up with different modes of action this season, and take confidence knowing not only will your crops perform better, but you’ve helped mitigate the risk of herbicide resistance on your farm.
That’s the advice from seasoned arable specialist Mike Cox, Nufarm, who says continued use of Group12 herbicides in particular should be reviewed carefully.
“We need to start rotating our molecules for some of these tough weeds in cereal and grass seed crops. Diflufenican gives good control, which is why people use it, but it’s not the only option, and we know what can happen when we keep doing a few molecules to death...”
Cue Nufarm Image herbicide, the premium triple mix known for offering the highest possible standard of control where large populations of hard to kill weeds are present in wheat, barley, oats, ryecorn and triticale as well as grass seed.
Comprising two actives from the Group 6 mode of action (bromoxynil and ioxynil) with one from Group 4 (mecoprop-p), Image brings a valuable rotation option to the programme for growers who have relied heavily on diflufenican, Mike says.
That’s on top of the other attributes which have made it a heavy hitter for more than 20 years.
Image is a mix of both contact and systemic herbicides.
“It has a massive weed spectrum,” Mike says, “including henbit, staggerweed, chamomiles, and all the fumitories. So that’s one thing that has always made it popular.
Just as importantly however, Image also has a relatively wide use window which ranges from GS12 to GS32, or from two to three leaves to the second node stage of the crop.
“That gives growers more flexibility at a busy time of the season, without compromising their results.”
Application results are typically visible within two weeks and control is achieved by four weeks depending on weed size, susceptibility and growing conditions.
To get the best out of Nufarm Image, Mike says water rates and nozzle selection are important to ensure thorough, even coverage.
He advises applying Nufarm Image in 200-400 litres water/ha, using the higher wate rate after mid tillering and if weeds are dense.
The minimum spray pressure is 200 kPA, and nozzles should deliver medium spray droplets; coarse nozzles and low pressure nozzles are not recommended.
Nufarm Image performs best when applied to weeds that are actively growing. It should not be sprayed at the start of severe cold periods, especially from jointing in winter; and growers need to avoid applying Nufarm Image when large temperature variations are expected within three days of treatment.
As a rule:
• Apply Image when temperatures are > 5°
• Do not apply when temperatures are > 25°C•Do not apply to drought stressed crops
• Apply on dry, cloudy days when humidity is > 70%and light intensity is low
• Light rain after foliage is dry should have no negative effect on efficacy.
For specific usage rates, refer to the label.
Talk to your agronomist or your local Nufarm territory manager for more information.