Cost effective early weed control for pasture and chicory

Words: Arxada

Headstart, containing 50g/l flumetsulam with inbuilt adjuvant technology, has established itself as a key tool for early weed control in pasture and chicory.

Establishing a new crop is an expensive exercise. For the best results and persistence for these crops, early weed control is critical to improve crop performance – meaning more feed when you need it.

Unlike other herbicides, the timing of a Headstart application is not governed by crop stage. Proven by field trials, demonstrating crop safety with effective weed control, recent additional label claims now allow it to be applied as a post-plant pre-emergent option over pasture, and it can be applied any time after emergence over chicory.

This increased flexibility for applications, from sowing to emergence, provides confidence around crop safety, achieving efficient weed control at the most appropriate timings.

Formulated, developed and manufactured in New Zealand with Arxada’s Oleo Technology built into the formulation, allows for improved results in the field, by incorporating the active ingredients with all the necessary surfactants and oils making Headstart unique in the market.

The liquid formulation is easier to measure and mix, compared to granular products which then also require oil to be added to the tank mix.

The improved results achieved in the field with Headstart have allowed nine* extra weeds to be added to the label, over and above what the granule versions will control. The increased efficacy is due to the optimal ratio of active ingredient with adjuvant in every spray droplet delivered to the target.

Using sufficient water rates is key to success, as coverage is a key factor when using a flumetsulam based product.

Headstart is compatible with several other pastoral herbicides for controlling broadleaf weeds. In fact, the adjuvants and oils present in the Headstart formulation can enhance the herbicidal activity of tank mix partners.

The mixing of Headstart with MCPA and MCPB based herbicides is not uncommon and will improve thistle control as well as a range of other broadleaf weeds. Headstart is also compatible with grass weed herbicides like clethodim, for controlling unwanted grass species in chicory crops. Please consult your Arxada territory manager when attempting these mixes, to ensure the correct mixing order and always adhere to the label instructions.

How to get the best results from Headstart? Apply when the weeds are small and actively growing. Moist soil conditions also enable longevity on the soil, if left undisturbed. If weeds are under significant stresses due to moisture availability or temperature extremes, the efficacy may be reduced.

Caution should be observed when applying Headstart in hot, dry conditions as the inbuilt surfactants (as is the case for any flumetsulam + oil combination) can cause adverse crop burning, especially to legumes, but you can be confident that they will grow out of it.

It is also worth noting that Headstart has no effect to ryegrass or clover when applied anytime from sowing, other than the precautions above. Headstart also has claims for use over lucerne and cereals (barley and wheat), making Headstart a staple option in your spray shed.

*Extra weeds are nodding thistle, broadleaved dock, inkweed, storksbill, twincress, dandelion, hawkbit, scrambling speedwell and field madder broadleaf weeds.

Consult your field representative for further advice before considering a specific tank mix partner for Headstart.