blackgrass

Newer herbicides and multiple modes of action are the key to grassweed control success

Spring cropping provides one of the best opportunities for control of problem grassweeds, but with only a few of the selective herbicides used in the autumn authorised for application in the spring, growers need to plan carefully if they are to achieve the high-level control needed. Spring weed control requires different tactics because there are …

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New sequenced genome sheds light on weed resistance

Written by the Earlham Institute Genomic advances reveal how similar weeds can dominate wheat fields that are geographically separated by over 5,000 miles. Two new Alopecurus genomes have been sequenced, providing important additions to the growing body of community resources for weed genomics. Access to the genomes for blackgrass and orange foxtail, sometimes called shortawn foxtail, will …

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Early sown winter wheat returns to heavy land blackgrass site

High yielding, profitable early-sown winter wheat crops are once again a regular feature on the heavy land rotations at Lamport AgX, Agrovista’s flagship trials site in Northamptonshire, despite a huge background population of blackgrass. Speaking at a recent open day, Niall Atkinson, consultant and Lamport AgX trials co-ordinator, said: “Historically, if wheats weren’t drilled by …

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Blackgrass | Direct Driller Magazine

Decisions, decisions, decisions…

Slender Foxtail has put in its annual appearance with great vengeance this year. It’s that time of year where we all can see the results of each other labour’s. With wheat now out in ear, fields that are normally clean are showing the effects of the long & wet winter. Grass weeds are out in force, particularly Slender Foxtail AKA Blackgrass. The lack of herbicide activity and lack of conditions to get the applications on in a timely manner are showing. No doubt the mild wet autumn also played a part in reducing the longevity of herbicides.

Getting to the Roots of Black-Grass’s Waterlogging Tolerance

Written by Rothamsted Root structures and genetics give the weed an advantage over wheat and explain field patches. Black-grass thrives on heavy land, particularly where drainage is poor.  Now a new study has shown that this problematic weed uses specific adaptations to flourish even when soil is totally saturated for up to three weeks. The data …

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The evolution of tillage techniques on heavy arable land in the East Midlands

Written by Dr Alastair Leake from The Allerton Project “There’s a reason why we use the plough” a colleague sagely advised me when I questioned this fundamental agricultural practice; “It works” – and I was treated to a history lesson to-boot. Having transitioned from growing heated glasshouse salad crops in hydroponics, the ultimate zero-till system, …

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