Dynamo from Zelam has not long received a new label claim for use in both new and established pastures containing plantain.
This is in addition to its existing registration for broadleaf weed control in clover seed crops, lucerne and turf.
Zelam business development manager Mike Swift say the small Taranaki based company is stoked to have to obtained the new claim, and expects quick farmer response.
“This is a unique application for Dynamo, and one that farmers with mixed swards have really been looking for. We believe it shows the strength of Zelam’s ability to achieve new claims that keep pace with New Zealand’s dynamic conditions and uses of crops and pastures.”
It wasn’t that long many years ago that plantain, far from being useful or welcome, was seen primarily as a broadleaf pasture weed in its own right and its recent reinvention as a high value specialist forage has made onlabel broadleaf weed control a bit of a challenge for those incorporating it into their feed systems.
Swift points out the label directions for use of Dynamo in pastures containing plantain are highly specific, and timing is vital, as is
the awareness that the herbicide will suppress plantain growth and reduce its dry matter yield after application.
“The plant population is however retained and the crop will recover. The period of suppression lasts for several weeks depending
on site and environmental conditions such as soil moisture and temperature. The other pasture components (grass and clover) will be released and compensate production to an extent.”
Zelam tested Dynamo on Tonic plantain; other varieties may not tolerate the herbicide to the same extent, Swift adds.
Dynamo is a contains a mixture of flumetsulam, the active ingredient in Zelam’s popular herbicide Headstart, plus bentazone.
Because it is a non-hormone product, it has no impact on even very young clover. This also helps eliminate phenoxy resistant weeds and reduce the risk of off target effects.
Trial work has shown the herbicide can be safely applied to young lucerne that has established at least four true leaves.
For more detail visit www.zelam.com.