Give winter beans the best start for maximum yield

Interest continues to grow for winter beans as an alternative break crop to OSR but the variability in yield is one of growers’ main concerns.

PGRO highlight that the key to improving yield consistency is good crop establishment. Click the link to view the PGRO Webinar PGRO's Top Tips for Getting the most from Winter Beans and read on for advice on how to get winter beans off to the best start to maximise yield.

Crop establishment

Make the most of the chance to control black-grass before the crop is sown
Soil structure, especially compaction, probably has the greatest impact on yield (PGRO)
Well established crops with good root structure are more tolerant of wet weather and droughts

Benefits of a good seedbed

Improved seed to soil contact
- Promotes quicker germination
Better root growth to maximise yield
- Compaction can reduce yield by up to 40% (PGRO)
Improved efficacy from pre-em herbicides
- Fewer clods allow better spray coverage and more even weed germination
Better crop safety from pre-em herbicides
- Good soil cover over seed

Drilling & pre-em herbicides

Drill to suitable depth (minimum of 3cm fine, settled soil cover over seed)
Optimum plant density is 20-30 plants/m² fully established (allow 10-15% loss over winter)
Beans are not competitive crops and are highly vulnerable to early weed pressure
- Apply pre-em herbicides as soon as possible after sowing
- Effective weed control ensures easier harvest without the need for desiccation

Pre-em herbicides are essential because there are very limited post-em options for broad leaved weed control.

Nirvana^® and Stomp^® Aqua are the market leading pre-em herbicides.

4 steps for black-grass control in winter beans

1. Use stale seedbeds as much as possible

Late winter / spring drilling allows more time for control pre-drilling
Encourage flush of black-grass & spray off with glyphosate

2. Use a strong pre-em

Propyzamide
- Best active in winter beans for black-grass control
- Weak on mayweed, poppy and cleavers
Nirvana^®
- Wide broad-leaved weed spectrum
- Useful start to black-grass control
- Two modes of action
Nirvana^® + propyzamide
- Strongest option for black-grass
- Broad-spectrum grass & broad-leaved weed control

3. Early post-em follow up where possible

Carbetamide before the formation of side shoots / before end of Feb

(Last sales 30 Nov 2021, last use up on farm 30 Nov 2022)

4. Apply post-em graminicides with care

Target black-grass before it tillers
Spray when weed is actively growing
Laser^® (+ adjuvant) controls a range of grassweeds e.g. ryegrass

Pre-em weed control solutions

Nirvana^® (pendimethalin + imazamox) is the most reliable pre-emergence option in field beans

Two herbicide modes of action for improved efficacy and resistance risk management
Good residual activity covers the germination periods of key weeds e.g. annual meadow grass, cleavers, poppy, charlock and later germinating weeds like black bindweed, fat-hen, redshank and knotgrass
The addition of imazamox to PDM gives improved control of brassicas, mayweed & speedwells
Can be used at lower rates in tank mix with partners such as Centium or Kerb to improve cleaver and black-grass control respectively

Nirvana^® Rate Recommendations

Rates	Comments
4.5 l/ha	One shot solution Long-lasting broad spectrum weed control Moderate to high weed populations
3.0 l/ha	Moderate weed populations General broad leaf weed control May require post-emergence follow up
2.5 l/ha	As a tank mix partner Broader spectrum that straight PDM Beware of compromising Nirvana’s weed benefits

Stomp^® Aqua contains pendimethalin - the key pre-emergence active on which the herbicide programme should be based

Provides control of both annual meadow grass and broad-leaved weeds
Strong tank mix partner for a range of pre-ems such as Defy, Centium and Kerb Flo
Pendimethalin is classed as low risk for the development of resistance - important in the management of ALS resistance development in black-grass, chickweed and poppy
Stomp^® Aqua
- Premium formulation: Non-staining, easy rinse, reduced binding to organic matter means more active is available for weed control, especially in min-till situations
- Most concentrated pendimethalin formulation: Increases work rates, optimises the use of limited autumn spray windows, less packaging waste

Stomp^® Aqua Rate Recommendations

Product	Comments	Rates
Stomp^®Aqua	Key base product for grass & BLW control	2.9 l/ha
+ Defy	Enhances AMG control & adds mayweeds, vol OSR	2.5 l/ha + 2.0 l/ha
+ Centium	Provides additional activity on cleavers, hedge mustard, fool’s parsley	2.0 l/ha + 0.25 l/ha
+ Kerb Flo	Strong combination for grass weed control	2.0 l/ha + 1.7 l/ha

Please note Stomp^® Aqua carries an EAMU approval for use in winter and spring beans. Extensions of Authorised Use (EAMU) for the above products are ‘off-label’ and are at Growers 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. The EAMU can be downloaded at https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/offlabels/search.asp

Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For further product information including warning phrases and symbols refer to www.agricentre.basf.co.uk . For further information, please do not hesitate to contact your local BASF Agronomy Manager or the BASF Technical Services Hotline: 0845 602 2553.

Nirvana^® contains pendimethalin and imazamox. Stomp^® Aqua contains pendimethalin. Laser^® contains cycloxydim. Centium contains clomazone. Defy contains prosulfocarb. Kerb Flo contains propyzamide. Nirvana^®, Stomp^® Aqua and Laser^® are registered trademarks of BASF. All other brand names used on this publication are Trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. © BASF 2021. All rights reserved.