Gowan: Testing times for Avadex granular applicators

Dr Dominic Lamb of Gowan reported the demand for Avadex Excel 15G (tri-allate) continues, as controlling black-grass and brome has become ever more challenging.

 “Using Avadex pre-emergence as the starter herbicide before other herbicides is now standard practice across the UK. But, like any crop protection product, it needs to be applied correctly and precisely in order to give it the best chance to work. This means that every granular applicator should be tested to make sure that the granules are applied evenly right across the boom width.”

Rob Foxall of SCS Spreader and Sprayer Testing Ltd says that his team of experienced engineers are all geared up to make sure that any Avadex applicator is tested and calibrated well before the time of application. “It is important that all working parts of the applicator are in the correct place and are doing what they are supposed to do. But for Avadex granules we need to make sure that the granules are applied evenly across the soil. Currently we are the only company that offer patternation tests and we would like to see a tight Coefficient of Variance from each outlet across the boom. Only then will Avadex be allowed to work to its best ability. The last thing we want to see are inaccuracies in the field with stripes of black-grass where no granule was applied. We want to get the job done to a better standard and to make sure each machine is fit for purpose.”

With a complete SCS granular applicator test, both rate and spread pattern of the granules are assessed, making our test the most comprehensive in the UK, he explains.

Rob Foxall warns growers not to leave applicator testing to the last minute. “It is vital that testing and calibration is done now, well before harvest is finished and as the spray window approaches. As a company we have a wealth of experience, great expertise in the area of testing plus the respect of the industry, with a team of engineers covering all of the UK.”

Dominic Lamb reports that more Avadex than ever is going onto farm now. “Avadex fulfils a key role in the control of difficult-to-control grass-weeds such as black-grass, annual meadow-grass and wild-oats as well as some common broad-leaved weeds including cleavers, charlock, chickweed, mayweeds and poppy. Many farmers are keen to integrate this valuable active ingredient into their weed control programme in both winter wheat and barley.”