“In locally conducted trials, Alion has proven to be highly effective, providing up to five to six months of pre-emergent weed control.

“It has controlled the commonly problematic weeds, including glyphosate resistant ryegrass,” says Marc Fox, Bayer Cropscience territory manager.

“Not only can Alion save costs by reducing the number of inseason herbicide applications but it also allows managers more time to focus on other important management tasks in the orchard or vineyard.” Alion brings to the market new herbicide technology with distinct advantages over currently available options, Fox says.

It features a new active ingredient, indaziflam, which has strong intrinsic activity and allows Alion to be used at low rates.

This makes the new herbicide easy to use, and also reduces packaging and minimises the environmental impact.

Importantly, Fox says, Alion brings an alternative mode of action (as a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor) which inhibits meristem growth.

It acts as a soil herbicide via inhibition of germination, root development and weed emergence.

“Alion has flexible application timing and is recommended to use in the spring to early summer prior to the peak weed germination period.

"Ensure you observe the withholding periods on the label and as Alion requires rainfall to be activated, avoid use in extended dry weather periods,” he advises.

Fox says it has no knockdown on already emerged weeds, so if weeds are present Alion should be tank mixed with a knockdown herbicide like Buster or glyphosate

“Ideally, apply Alion to a bare soil. If dense stands of weeds are present, apply a knockdown herbicide first and follow with an Alion application once weeds are sufficiently knocked down.”

For more detail visit www.cropscience.bayer.co.nz/alion