Boom application increases Avadex

A new fast and efficient technique for Avadex granule application will give growers greater flexibility in treatment timing, to optimise blackgrass control this autumn. Techneat Engineering has introduced a 12m application boom, coupled to the company’s Avadex GR applicator.

Most Avadex applicators have been mounted direct on to rolls for one pass treatment and soil consolidation, which remains a popular option. However, where soil conditions do not allow for rolling post sowing, as has been the case on many heavy fields most prone to blackgrass problems over the past two seasons, the Avadex treatment may have been compromised.

“Mounting the Avadex GR on a lightweight tractor, or utility with linkage,  is a fast and efficient way to cover the ground quickly and in virtually all conditions. This ensures the Avadex granules can be applied at the optimum time of weed emergence,” according to Techneat Sales Manager, Ady Sallis. The new boom system utilises the same outlet and spreading technology used with roller-mounted machines, to achieve even granule distribution across the soil surface and create a herbicide barrier for effective grass weed control.

Three versions of the Avadex GR are available, with 200, 400 and 1,200 litre hopper capacity. All the models feature a bespoke highly-accurate single cartridge metering device, a specifically designed distribution head and an uprated fan capacity, to ensure an even spread of granules across the full width. Mr Sallis added the applicators have been tested by independent Agrisearch trials and approved by the manufacturer of Avadex.

Growers’ experience

Leicestershire farmer Neil Gilby is one of an increasing number of arable farmers that have returned to autumn applications of Avadex granules as the base treatment in the continuing battle with blackgrass.

Initially his Avadex GR applicator was mounted on the farm’s roller. But when ground conditions precluded treatment on some fields, and seeking greater flexibility in timing to maximise results, he has switched to a separate treatment with an application boom.

Mr Gilby has reported blackgrass now dictates many of the agronomy decisions across the 1,500 hectares he farms, with a combination of cultural and chemical controls crucial to minimise the damaging effects on wheat yields. Based at Dishley Grange near Loughborough, he highlighted the situation is especially severe on the heaviest land that he contract farms in the area. The situation has been exacerbated by the demand to drill crops earlier before weather conditions deteriorate, which compromises opportunities for a stale seedbed.

Analysis of the land’s blackgrass populations has revealed he faces the worst resistance types, with both enhanced metabolism and target site resistance now endemic. The return to a sequential approach to tackling the issues has also seen a resurgence of Avadex granules, now used as the base treatment where blackgrass is a problem. Mr Gilby has adopted a strategy of Avadex, followed by a flufenacet and/or flufenacet+diflufenican, with a top-up sulfonyl urea herbicide on the worst affected fields.

“The new Techneat application equipment is so much cleaner and easier to use. The results on fields where only Avadex was applied - when weather conditions prevented follow-up treatments - highlighted the accuracy and consistency of application achieved.”

That means Avadex granules will again be an essential part of this autumn’s establishment. Furthermore, Mr Gilby sees the potential to extend contract application operations with the specialist Techneat application equipment in the future.

Dominic Lamb of Avadex suppliers, Gowan International, adds: “Avadex is the essential initial component for blackgrass control, typically used in sequential treatments with the sulfonyl-urea herbicides to help combat potential resistance issues. It also provides a complete solution for the control of wild-oats and a basis for treatments to control sterile brome in cereals.”

Avadex granules can be applied at any stage from drilling, right through to post-emergence. Research has shown the best results are achieved when applied at first emergence of target grass weeds and the cereal crop; although application during drilling is timely and convenient, he adds. “Even distribution across the soil surface is essential to achieve the highest possible levels of control. The Avadex GR provides an accurate and flexible approach to application.”

Flexible versatility

Avadex applicators can also be fitted with a replacement conventional metering device for oilseed rape or other small seeds for low cost establishment, including wildflower and grass mixtures broadcast onto the surface of headlands of environmental projects. Slug pellets can also be accurately applied and evenly distributed.

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Source: newsroom - farmingnewsdaily.co.uk