Optimise weed control with Sorrento
With maize drilling well underway, keeping the crop free from early weed competition will be crucial to protect yield in the first month or so after emergence. However, with the narrowing of rotations increasing the threat from troublesome weeds such as cleavers, fat-hen and sowthistles, and the dry spell forcing some growers to opt for a post-emergence only weed control programme, optimising herbicide performance will be essential to protect yield and cob quality. With already proven results in maize, new adjuvant Sorrento could be particularly useful this spring to help keep crops weed free.
Why herbicide performance can be improved
Despite the large nature of the maize crop, care and attention is required to keep weeds out in order to encourage the establishment of a strong healthy plant that is fit and able to make the maximum use of available sunlight, moisture and nutrients. Weed competition not only leads to weak, shallow rooted plants susceptible to lodging, it also can result in stressed crops and a yield penalty, with inconsistent cob size and fewer kernels. However, treating weeds post-emergence is not without its challenges.
Poor coverage, poor uptake
As maize plants increase in size, the delivery of post-emergence herbicides to target weeds becomes more tricky. Weeds can become shaded and herbicide intercepted by the crop, leading to poor coverage and a significant reduction in the control of target weeds – also now larger and more difficult to control by this stage. Weed control can also be particularly challenging with spring germinating weeds such as fat-hen and sowthistle that have hairy/waxy leaves which prevent the herbicide:leaf contact required for good coverage across the leaf (due to poor spreading) and penetration through the leaf cuticle. With the resulting poor coverage and uptake into weeds, a significant reduction in weed control can be a real threat to the crop.
How Sorrento can help
New adjuvant Sorrento is perfectly suited to help post-emergence herbicides overcome the challenging application conditions in maize, leading to faster uptake and higher overall weed control.
Improved coverage, faster uptake
Sorrento demonstrates excellent spreading properties which will help to ensure good coverage on more established weeds and those that are particularly waxy/hairy such as fat-hen and thistles. Sorrento also helps fast penetration into weeds, resulting in faster and more effective weed control. One of the most noticeable benefits of Sorrento is the speed at which it works, with significant improvements in speed of kill seen in trials even by the first assessment.
Proven to increase efficacy and yield in Maize
The addition of Sorrento to post-emergence herbicides can lead to significant improvements in weed control and yield. Trials conducted with nicosulfuron have shown significant improvements against a number of key weed species and up to a 5 t/ha yield benefit.
Efficacy and yield benefits with nicosulfuron
First assessment - Sorrento increased ½ rate nicosulfuron control significantly against the key weeds
13 Days after application
Final assessment – Sorrento had improved control of all weeds, some significantly
110 Days after application
First assessment - At ¾ rate nicosulfuron, Sorrento still improved control of all key weeds
13 Days after application
Final assessment - Benefits of Sorrento evident, particularly hard to control weeds
110 Days after application
First assessment - With full rate nicosulfuron, Sorrento boosted weed control even further
13 Days after application
Final assessment – Sorrento had optimized control of all key weeds
110 Days after application
Weed control benefits from addition of Sorrento were reflected in yield with a 5 t/ha yield benefit even with full rate nicosulfuron
Effect of Sorrento with nicosulfuron on whole crop yield (t/ha) in Maize
Sorrento added significant benefits to nicosulfuron in further trials
Sorrento improved weed control significantly at all rates
Effect of Sorrento with nicosulfuron on weed control in Maize. Final assessment - 127 days after application. SD = Significant difference.
Weed control benefits with Sorrento were again reflected in yield
Effect of Sorrento with nicosulfuron on whole crop yield (t/ha) in Maize
Advantages of Sorrento
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Superior penetrating power helps post-emergence herbicides with high water solubility to penetrate leaf cuticles, even in cold conditions – the biggest barrier to effective weed control
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Low dose, low odor and excellent compatibility with other crop protection products in the tank mix
How to use Sorrento
For more information on how to use Sorrento, please go to the Sorrento product page and request a copy of our product guide. We’ll get a copy of our Technical Guide right over to you.
