Bayer adds thiencarbazone-methyl to Thumper herbicide

Bayer CropScience has rolled out a new version of its 2,4-D/bromoxynil combination Thumper, aimed at offering Prairie spring wheat and durum growers the option to rotate into pulses the following year.

The company last week launched Thumper Total, which adds thiencarbazone-methyl, the Group 2 active from its wheat crop herbicide Velocity, to Thumpers Group 4 and 6 ingredients.

"Cereal growers dont want to be restricted in the crops they can grow and Thumper Total gives them the freedom to get back into pulse crops such as lentils, dry beans and field peas the year following application," Lauren Davis, manager of cereal crop herbicides for Calgary-based Bayer CropScience Canada, said in a release.

"With the continued interest in pulse crops, growers need to plan their herbicide and crop rotations more than one year in advance," she said, whereas Thumper Total allows for the "rotational flexibility" to make a last-minute planting decision if need be.

Thumper Total controls both grassy and broadleaf weeds, the company said, noting it can be used against problem weeds such as Group 1-resistant wild oats and Group 2-resistant kochia. Its also registered for suppression of Persian darnel and yellow foxtail.

"The liquid formulation is easy to use and doesnt require additional herbicides or adjuvants," Davis said in the release.

Thumper Total has rainfast of one hour after application and can be applied up to the six-leaf stage and the emergence of the third tiller, Bayer said.

The product can be used in the three Prairie provinces and in British Columbias Peace, Okanagan and Creston Flats regions.