Glyphosate Silvio gets UK approval

UK approval of a new glyphosate product from Rotam marks the first step towards introduction of a new clean label glyphosate formulation for broad-spectrum weed control.

"Using glyphosate to create stale seedbeds is a well-established and valuable method to help control difficult annual weeds like black-grass," says Trevor Smith of Rotam. "And this year, circumstances make this approach particularly powerful against black-grass." Rotam has just launched Silvio, its own glyphosate product, as part of its growing UK range.

According to the HGCA*, indications so far this year point to low black-grass seed dormancy and therefore early emergence. Early action should therefore pay handsome dividends.

In an information sheet on resistant black-grass, the HGCA recommends delaying drilling of winter cereals to allow a higher proportion of weed seedlings to emerge and be controlled before sowing. Using non-selective herbicides like glyphosate at this stage, especially in ’non-dormant’ years, can also reduce the risk of resistance to higher risk herbicides (ALS and ACCase inhibitors), it says.

So the introduction of Rotam’s new glyphosate formulation product Silvio this season is seen as particularly well-timed. It provides UK growers with an alternatively sourced high quality glyphosate product for broad-spectrum weed control.

It is also a further demonstration of the company’s growing range of products for the UK market, which have all been independently researched, developed and manufactured in its own production facilities

UAP agronomist Chris Bean said: "After a season of indifferent black grass control in many areas and two autumns of delayed weed germination due to induced dormancy, there is the potential this autumn to significantly reduce black grass numbers before drilling the crop. Use of glyphosate as part of the overall strategy makes a great deal of sense, taking some of the pressure off following treatments. The opportunity for an effective stale seedbed should be grasped with both hands."

His comments also follow a warning on the problems posed by blackgrass this year issued at a conference organised by the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC) earlier this year.

Delegates were told that the battle against the weed was expected to intensify and speakers advised growers to pay more attention to crop competition and herbicide resistance.