Frequency Trial Report

Demonstration and evaluation of BASF’s new Frequency against standard Post-emergent broadleaf weed herbicides in barley.

Dumbleyung, WA, 2019

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A broadleaf post-emergent herbicide demonstration was sown in Dumbleyung WA on the 24th of May 2019, with treatment sprays applied on the 24th of July, Zadok growth stage Z15, radish 4-8 leaf. Frequency was applied in two separated treatment mixes, with the addition of MCPA and Brom200, requiring 1% Hasten as an adjuvant for both.

Frequency is the only standalone group H herbicide, giving growers the ability to choose a tank mix partner that best fits their program. Allowing flexibility with application mixes and rates.

Satisfactory results were seen on assessment dates 12 & 20 DAT, with Frequency + MCPA + 1% Hasten obtaining brownouts of 80% & 85% at 12 and 20 DAT respectively. Frequency + Brom200 had excellent brownout at both 12 &20 DAT, showing 92.5%, 92.5% respectively.

Crop safety was assessed at the same time, with phytotoxicity ratings under 10% incidence for both treatment mixes. The low level of crop damage did not directly correlate to plant vigour, with Frequency + Brom200 + Hasten, indicating a reduction in crop vigour (40% vigour rating = 60% reduction) at 12 DAT, likely caused by the Bromoxynil. However; the crop did pick up by 10% by 20 DAT.

INTRODUCTION

Objectives

Demonstrate and evaluate the efficacy and crop safety of BASF’s new group H Frequency.
Demonstrate different tank mix partners.

METHODOLOGY

Data Analysis

All data analysis in this report was conducted using Microsoft Excel. Simple means, analysis of variance was used to determine statistical significance using the least significant difference method with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Figure 1. Percentage brownout observations at 12 and 20 days after treatment (DAT) application.

Frequency + MCPA + 1% Hasten: 80%, 85% at 12 and 20 DAT respectively.

Frequency + Brom200: 92.5%, 92.5% at 12 and 20 DAT respectively.

There was significant difference between treatments (P < 0.05)

Figure 2. Phytotoxicity percentage incidence ratings, at 12 and 20 DAT.

Figure 3. Vigour percentage ratings, visual rating of the health of the crop relative to control (=100%).

DISCUSSION

There is a real concern for the potential development of group Hresistant weeds. Frequency Is the only group H chemistry on the market sold as a standalone product. It should always be applied with a tank mix partner (bromoxynil or MCPA), providing growers the flexibility of choosing a mix partner targeted towards resistant populations. This unique opportunity is advantages on its own, regardless of the clear results that Frequency has demonstrated this season.

Satisfactory results were seen on assessment dates 12 & 20 DAT, with Frequency + MCPA + 1% Hasten obtaining brownouts of 80% & 85% at 12 and 20DAT respectively. As well as Frequency + Brom200 having excellent brownout at both 12 & 20 DAT with, 92.5%, 92.5% respectively.

Crop safety was assessed at the same time, with phytotoxicity ratings under 10% incidence for both treatment mixes. The low level of crop damage didn’t directly correlate to plant vigour, with Frequency + Brom200 + Hasten, indicating a reduction in crop vigour (40% vigour = 60% reduction) at 12 DAT, most likely caused by the Bromoxynil. However; the crop did pick up by 10% on 20 DAT.

Frequency performed well, compared to standards Talinor and Velocity. Although not the best performer, it offers a unique fit in its ability to rotate mix partners, combating resistance and aiding grower flexibility.

CONCLUSION

Frequency yielded satisfactory results, with adequate weed brownout and crop safety. It holds a unique opportunity as the only standalone group H post-emergent herbicide on the market, for the control of broadleaf weeds.

APPENDICES

14 DAT