Published on 09/10/2020
The unique new formulation from New Zealand crop protection company Adama has reduced the hazard profile without compromising the proven efficacy of its already industry standard parent Goltix Flo. In fact, far from it. Trials have shown Goltix Gold is actually even more effective on some hard-to-kill weeds.
Fodder beet trials in Leeston and red beet (beetroot) trials in Hawke’s Bay showed Goltix Gold was as efficacious as Goltix Flo across a range of beet weeds and more effective on fathen and wireweed.
Crop-safe at pre-emergence and cotyledon stage, Goltix Gold is compatible with commonly used herbicides and insecticides. No phytotoxicity or vigour reduction was observed in any treatment. There are also advantages in the simplified handling requirements. The change in formulation of Goltix Flo to Goltix Gold means that it is not required to be under the control of a Certified Handler, nor is tracking needed. Also, suitably qualified people are not required for mixing and loading.
Elisabeth Johnston, Adama NZ Marketing Manager, says the welcoming response to Goltix Gold is heartening, but not entirely surprising. “Distributors and growers are aware of the need to protect people working in agriculture,waterways and the enviroment. If they can do that with an even better performing product, all the better!”
Adama NZ has been at the forefront of supplying solutions that are both effective and safe to sensitive growth stages in beet crops. For instance, thanks to the specially developed SE formulation, Rifle can be applied earlier, at cotyledon stage, without damaging the delicate beet plants. The registration of Goltix Gold is the logical next step in a programme which has boosted beet yields and made a strong contribution to the management toolbox for the highly technical crop.
Once the canopy is established,beets will hold their own. But, as Adama NZ commercial manager Doug Speers points out, “It’s essential to keep on top of weeds until the crop is at canopy closure to maximise yields.” The company’s specially designed herbicide programme for beet is based on a robust pre-emergence spray, with follow up that controls any subsequent weeds and provides the best possible start for the valuable, high yielding crops such as fodder, sugar and red beet, and mangolds.
The programme, including Goltix WG Herbicide, Goltix Uno Herbicide, Ethosat Herbicide, Rifle, and now Goltix Gold, has been rigorously tested and refined to complement NZ growing conditions and beet varieties. It is also backed by trial results, which show that the programme can significantly improve weed control.
The proof of that success was, perhaps, nowhere better demonstrated than in the drought conditions experienced last season in the North Island. Commercial manager Doug Speers says, back in May, he watched sugar beet being harvested almost as fast as the trucks could transport it. “The truck was filled in about 15 minutes.” The 20-hectare crop, owned by experienced Matamata dairy farmers Bruce and Jackie Tiddy, showed the benefits of using the Adama beet herbicide programme and working with specialised local contractors and advisors. “There’s some good expertise around beet crops now,” Speers says. “And you definitely can’t beat it for high energy, kilograms of dry matter per hectare and getting a bigger crop off fewer hectares.” For more information, visit www.adama.com or talk to your local advisor.