Pre-emergence herbicides are vital for peas & beans

Peas and beans are not competitive crops and so are highly vulnerable to early weed pressure during their establishment.

Nirvana^®and Stomp^® Aqua are the strongest options for spraying pre-emergence of the crop and weeds. They provide early control of a wide range of grass and broad-leaved weeds.

Pre-emergence residual chemistry is a vital part of the weed control programme, especially as the post-emergence options are basically limited to bentazone (e.g. Basagran^® SG).

Pay attention to seedbed quality:

• Good seedbeds and soil structure benefit both crop establishment and the performance of pre-emergence herbicides
• Fine, firm seedbeds improve seed to soil contact which improves germination and establishment
• Clod free seedbeds also aid efficacy and safety of pre-emergence herbicides
• Drill to a minimum depth of 25mm and ensure seed is fully covered with settled soil
• Level and consolidate loose, cloddy or open tilth before spraying pre-emergence herbicides
• Do not apply where the seedbed is stony, rough, cloddy or open, or when heavy rain is forecast
• Ideally apply within 48 hours of drilling
• Do not apply Nirvana^® or Stomp^® Aqua once the crop plumule is less than 13mm from the soil surface

Post crop emergence there are very few options for weed control.

Basagran^® SG (bentazone) is the only option for broad leaved weed control and optimum activity does rely on application in the correct conditions; bright, warm days when the weeds are small and actively growing.

*Extensions of Authorised Use (EAMU) for the above product is ‘off-label’ and is at Grower’s Risk. Users must ensure that all conditions specified in the Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use are complied with and must be in possession of the Notice of Extension of Use, before use is undertaken.

Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. All other products are those of other manufacturers where proprietary rights may exist.

Nirvana^® contains pendimethalin and imazamox. Stomp^® Aqua contains pendimethalin. Laser^® contains cycloxydim. Basagran^® SG contains bentazone. Nirvana^®, Basagran^® SG, Laser^® and Stomp^® Aqua are registered trademarks of BASF.