Choosing the right herbicide or a compatible combination to control specific weed populations, while keeping resistance management in mind, remains an ongoing challenge for vegetable growers.
Craig Watson, Horticulture Product Manager for Fruitfed Supplies, says one particular combination has proven effective for Canterbury potato growers.
“Applied after planting and before potatoes have emerged, the combination of Boxer Gold®, from Syngenta, and Artist®, from Bayer, can offer good weed control through to canopy closure,” says Craig.
Boxer Gold (Group 15) contains 800 g/L Prosulfocarb and 120 g/L S-Metolachor in an emulsifiable concentrate formulation, and controls annual ryegrass, other grasses and broadleaf weeds. Artist (Group C1 + K3) contains 240 g/kg Flufenacet and 175 g/kg Metribuzin in a water dispersible granule formulation and controls a range of broadleaf weeds.
Craig adds, “Applications should be made to moist soil. Ideally before rainfall (or irrigation) is forecast within the next 7 days. If any weeds are present at the time of application, add glyphosate or Preeglone® herbicide to the spray tank.”
Temuka farmer Hamish McFarlane, who grows blackcurrants, various vegetable crops and also runs cattle, has used the Boxer Gold plus Artist combination in his recent potato crops.
He says the mix has been easy to work with. “It’s a much simpler mix than we’ve done in the past. Generally, we’ve had good weed control out to canopy closure if we follow good application techniques and get the timing right.”
Hamish also notes that they have had to do much less moulding and been able to reduce the amount of Metribuzin products applied after emergence.
Speak with your local Fruitfed Supplies Representative about how pre-emergence herbicides like Boxer Gold and Artist could benefit your potato crop this season.
