Forage Agronomy Update header
August 2023
Welcome to the Corteva Agriscience™
Forage Agronomy Update for Ireland


These regular technical notes are a seasonal commentary to help those interested in improving grassland and forage productivity on dairy, beef, sheep and equestrian enterprises. This will be our last update of this season, we'll be back next year with more support and advice.

Remember, you can also find us on Twitter (@CortevaForage & @CortevaIE) and Facebook (@CortevaIE).
Contents
- Late summer / early autumn re-seeds and weed control options

- Forefront T application window is now closed

- Docks and product options

- Importance of root kill when targeting grassland weeds

- Maize crop needs protecting to deliver full potential

- Ask a question

- IASIS points
Late summer / early autumn re-seeds and weed control options
Investing in a grass reseed can be expensive, therefore young leys need the best start to fulfil their yield potential. Weeds like chickweed and docks can easily out-compete young grass. Tackling grassland weeds early makes their control easier, improves sward palatability, productivity and reduces costs in the long run, so take the chance to control them now.

Control seedling weeds in new swards with Envy®, which can be applied until 30th November. Envy outperforms straight fluroxypyr in fluctuating autumn temperatures. However, where frosts are predicted, ensure the application is made at least 14 days before cold weather sets in. If this is not feasible, wait and apply the following spring.

Apply Envy once the grass has three true leaves at 1.0 L/ha in 200L of water for the control of seedling docks and chickweed up to the flowering stage; where docks growing from root fragments are a problem, apply Envy at 1.5 L/ha in 200 L of water.

Pastor® Trio can also be used at 1.0 L/ha in 200L of water for the control of seedling docks and chickweed, up to the flowering stage, in new leys until 31st August. Pastor Trio will also control seedling thistle and a range of other seedling weeds.
Forefront T application window is now closed
Please note that the application window for Forefront® T is now closed. Application to grassland that is grazed by cattle or sheep can no longer be made after 31st July.

Where grass is being cut for silage or hay and docks are your focus for control, use Doxstar® Pro which has no subsequent manure management issues.
grass silage
Docks and product options
Autumn is a really good time to target docks with an effective translocated herbicide and it means that they won’t be competing for nutrients intended for the grass.

Reasons to control docks in the autumn:

  • There is plenty of grass meaning there is less pressure regarding stock withdrawal periods.
  • Docks in silage/hay paddocks will now all be at a similar size with good leaf surface area, ideal for herbicide uptake.
  • Spring is a busy period on farm, so spread the workload by actioning now.
  • Spraying dock regrowth with Doxstar® Pro three to four weeks after the last silage cut is a good option.
  • Give ample time to spray at least three weeks before the first frost.
Docks
Importance of root kill when targeting grassland weeds 
Many grassland weeds have extensive roots systems. Weeds such as docks and creeping thistles can have tap roots that extend up to 1.5m and 75cm respectively. Choosing a suitable translocated product that will kill extensive roots systems is essential for long term control.

If these weeds are not controlled, they will compete with the grass for light, water, space, and nutrients whilst reducing the quality of the sward or any fodder that is produced from it.
weed roots
Maize crop needs protecting to deliver full potential
This year’s maize crop is looking good, with big yields forecast, so it’s time to plan how to capitalise on this and protect its quality at harvest.

“Using the right additive when harvesting maize is critical to its success in the clamp but once it’s done, it’s sorted for the whole winter,” said Andy Stainthorpe, Seed & Silage Inoculants Sales Manager, UK & Ireland.

Take a look at our silage inoculant decision tree below to pick an inoculant best suited to your circumstances.
decision tree
Interested in more about our silage inoculant range? Click here to visit our website.
Ask a question
Q: What is the latest date of use for Pastor® Trio on new sown leys?
A: Use Pastor Trio before 31st August. This solution gives the best spectrum of broad leaved weeds including seedling thistles where clover presence is not a concern. 
IASIS points
10 IASIS points will be awarded to those subscribing to the Forage Agronomy Update.
IASIS
 
For further information please contact the Corteva Agriscience technical hotline on 0800 689 8899 / UKHotline@corteva.com or go to www.corteva.ie/forage.html or download the Corteva Forage app available on apple or android.  For regular updates on agronomic issues, find us on Facebook and Twitter or search for @CortevaIE on social media. Orders: custserv@corteva.com General enquiries: 01462 457272 Email: CortevaUK@corteva.com You can also visit our website for additional contact numbers.

Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For further information including warning phrases and symbols refer to label. ®™ Trademarks Corteva Agriscience Limited and its affiliated companies. All other brand names are trademarks of other manufacturers for which proprietary rights may exist. All manufacturers trade names and trademarks are duly acknowledged. © 2023 Corteva. Doxstar Pro contains fluroxypyr and triclopyr. Envy contains fluroxypyr and florasulam. Forefront T contains aminopyralid and triclopyr. Thistlex contains clopyralid and triclopyr. Pastor Trio contains fluroxypyr, clopyralid and florasulam