Biological herbicide for control of northern jointvetch

Natural Industries, Inc., has announced the release of a post-emergent biological herbicide for control of northern jointvetch, also known as curly indigo, in rice.

LockDown contains the microorganism Colletotrichum gloesporioides which is sold in a dried granular formulation. LockDown was formerly sold as Collego.

According to Natural Industries, LockDown is host-specific and targets only the northern jointvetch weed, which has become a problem recently in Mid-South fields. It does not harm any other plant life including rice, other weeds or nearby agricultural crops, meaning there are no drift issues to contend with. The product kills the weed in about seven days.

It can be applied mid- and late-season when most chemicals cannot be sprayed. It can also be applied as an early application just prior to flooding along with other herbicides. According to Matt Kowalski, president of Natural Industries, LockDown works efficiently with Clearfield rice systems and hybrid rice fields.

The product has been in limited use in the Mid-South over the last two years, but will be available to all growers throughout the Mid-South this season. “We hope to add soybeans to the label as well this season,” Kowalski said.

"We are working through the established distributor and dealer networks such as Farmers Supply in Harrisburg, Ark.,” Kowalski said. “Growers and consultants can ask their local dealers about LockDown or call us for the nearest retail outlet.”

Natural Industries has specialized in developing beneficial microorganisms for use in the commercial horticulture, agriculture and turn industries. Another Natural Industries product, Actinovate AG, is a biological fungicide that controls root and foliar diseases in crops.