CROP CRACK - 27.01.07
By WENDY FEARON
Clarendon Agricare
Although the weather has improved, ground conditions remain very wet
making it almost impossible to travel even in the driest areas. Much
of the winter cereal crop remains unsprayed and unfortunately the
mild conditions have encouraged both broad leaved and grass weeds in
many crops.
WINTER CEREALS
It is still not too late to apply a herbicide to either winter
barley or wheat crops where grass and broad leaved weeds are a
problem. ENCORE can be used up to the first node detectable (GS 31)
growth stage of the crop, PANTHER up to the second node detectable
stage (GS 32) and FIELDGARD should be added for improved control of
annual meadow grass.
HEDGEROW CONTROL
Winter is the best time to control weeds around young hedges and
trees. Season long control of grasses and most broad-leaved weeds is
possible by applying Kerb Granules at this time. Kerb is a pre- and
post-emergence residual herbicide that provides selective, broad
spectrum weed control.Kerb can be applied to all soil types,
therefore allowing its use in many areas where weed control is
needed. Kerb is the ideal herbicide for forestry and woodland
(including farm forestry), ornamental shrubberies and rose beds,
hedges, fence lines and gravel pathways.
Young trees can all too easily be lost to the choking effect of
weeds. Conifers and Norway spruce grown for Christmas tree
production can be treated with Kerb without any risk of
phytotoxicity. It is safe to apply over the leaves of all popular
tree species without risk of damage.
Kerb requires soil moisture for root uptake to take place. If
warm, dry conditions prevail after application then weed control may
be reduced. The best residual action is therefore achieved in moist,
cold soils. Although KERB can be applied in all weather conditions,
application on top of snow, or to severely frozen ground should be
avoided if there is any risk of surface run-off.
Casoron G is another granular herbicide that effectively controls
a wide range of broad leaved and grass weeds. The special properties
of Casoron G makes it appropriate to all situations, for the
gardener and landscaper who require a weed free garden, and for the
engineer who needs effective weed control on roads and pathways.
Weeds on driveways, paths, along fences, in compounds and under
asphalt are all well controlled, with a single application in early
spring.
Casoron G also offers extremely effective weed control for
orchard floors. In orchards a band treatment is a common application
method. Fruit trees should be established for at least two years.
Casoron G must not be applied to shrubs or trees planted for less
than one year. Casoron G offers excellent weed control for
waterways. It is recommended for the control of emerged, submerged
and floating weeds in streams, ponds, rivers and lakes. Casoron G
may be applied much later than KERB.
VERMIN CONTROL
As temperatures become cooler farm buildings should be checked
and sealed to prevent access by rats and mice who will be seeking
shelter. Make buildings as impenetrable as possible by sealing off
possible entry points, and set traps to gauge whether any vermin
have managed to already gain access to buildings.
STORM bait should be placed close to runs and holes where rats
are active. If the bait is covered with boards or lengths of pipe it
gives the rat a feeling of security when feeding and also protects
the bait from the weather and hidden from other animals, children or
livestock. Ideally use a specially designed bait box.
Mice do not move far from their nests which are usually indoors.
Place smaller quantities of bait within a few metres of nesting
sites. |
