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For more information, please contact Graham Ragg, Arable & Fertiliser Sales Manager, on 07798 583667 or email info@molevalleyfarmers.com.

 

Weeds and Pests

When establishing your new ley it is important attention is given to controlling weeds and pests, which can lead to loss of plants (yield), quality problems and reduced utilisation of the sward by animals.

It is vital to remember that cultivations to establish a new ley will often bring thousands of weed seeds to the surface, which, unchecked, can smother much of the newly sown grasses.

Pests such as frit fly, slugs and leatherjackets can also pose threats to the newly sown ley and close monitoring of the reseed at its early stages of establishment is essential. Successful weed and pest control relies on correct product choice and timing of application. Mole Valley Farmers have BASIS trained agronomists who can advise you.

The tables below offer spray guidance.

Spray Helpline:  07798 583667 / 01769 576297.

 

Problem

Product

Rate

Comments

Clover in Mixture

Seedling docks

Squire Ultra

60gm / ha

Grass 3 leaves to first tiller. White Clover 2 trifoliate leaves.  Do not use on swards containing Red Clover.

Clover Absent

Chickweed, Seedling Docks, Fat Hen, Mayweed

Pastor +

2L / ha +

Grass from 3 leaf stage.
Use 300L water / ha.

Companion
Gold

0.5L / ha

Chickweed, Seedling Docks, Charlock & Polygonums

Mircam Plus

5L / ha

When majority of grass has 3 leaves.

 

Problem

Symptoms

Product

Rate

Comments

Pest Control Treatments

Frit Fly

Stunted or dead plants. Thin pointed larvae in central shoots

Dursban WG

1kg / ha

Spray after drilling and before grass emergence where risk of attack is high or at first signs of attack.
Max 1 application per year. #

 Slugs

Shredded leaves

Carakol 3

3.5kg / ha

 Apply to seedbed 3 days before drilling in high risk situations.

Rivet

5kg / ha

Condor 3 (mini pellets)

7kg /ha

Leather Jackets

Bare patches in new leys

Dursban WG

1kg / ha

 Spray when temperature over 5ºC in high risk situations in 200-1,000L water / ha.  Max 1 application
 per year #

Wireworm

No chemical control available

# There is now a Voluntary Stewardship Scheme on Chlorpyrifos (Dursban).  'Use LERAP three star low drift nozzles and adopt a 20m no-spray buffer zone beside water courses'.  For further information go to www.saynotodrift.co.uk

Vigorous, well rooted grass is better able to withstand weed and pest attack: good drainage, fertiliser application and rolling also help. 


Contact us at MVF if you need more help >>

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