Bayer extend cut-off date of its herbicides Atlantis

The cut-off date for Atlantis (mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron) has been put back two weeks to 15 April, after which date spring sales will end, the company said.

The prolonged cold winter has denied a spraying opportunity for many growers, explained Bayer's Chris Cooksley.

"As a result crop and weed development is at a much later stage than normal for the end of March," he said.

"Cutting off spraying now would leave many people in a difficult situation if they find in a week's time that they have to treat crops this spring."

When active growth starts, earlier drilled crops - where weeds are likely to be more advanced - should be sprayed first.

 Later-drilled crops, or those that have received effective flufenacet-based autumn treatments such as Liberator (flufenacet + diflufenican) should be given lower priority, recommended Mr Cooksley.

He reminded growers that responsible stewardship of Atlantis was essential, as delayed applications to mature grassweeds can compromise efficacy and possibly encourage resistant populations.

"Try to avoid complex tank mixes and when spraying, pay attention to boom heights and spray at a sensible speed," he said.