Off-patent herbicide now for linseed

A new herbicide has been approved for post-emergence broadleaf weed control in linseed.

Laya which contains 200g/kg metsulfuron-methyl is a sulfonyl urea herbicide by off-patent manufacturers Life Scientific. It is a reverse engineered formulation of Ally SX.

Life Scientific specialises in bringing off-patent crop protection products to market with the goal of providing customers with more options to meet their plant protection needs. The approval for Laya in linseed reflects the success of the approach.

A niche crop, only about 21,000ha of linseed are grown annually in the UK. The largest buyer is believed to be Premium Crops, which says it remains popular with growers questioning the viability of oilseed rape due to cabbage stem flea beetle.

Premium Crops agronomist Hannah Foxall said: “The broad weed spectrum offered by metsulfuron-methyl is important for ease of harvest and cleaning up fields for the following crop.”

She added: “This approval is welcome news for linseed growers looking to control broad leaved weeds post-emergence, as since the loss of Bromoxynil there are restricted herbicide choices.”

Higher yields

Linseed is mostly a spring-sown crop, although winter varieties are available. Average yields are about 1.5t/ha, with higher yields achieved in favourable conditions but rarely exceeding 2.5t/ha.

Laya is available to growers through distribution partners ProCam and Hutchinsons. Life Scientific UK manager Ruth Stanley said the best control is gained by applying it in good growing conditions.

Laya is also approved for broad-leaved weed control in wheat, barley, oats, triticale and green cover on land temporarily removed from production.