Time to Start Thinking Chateau

It’s a long list; hops, apples, grapes, currants, pears, blueberries, kiwifruit. These are the crops that Chateau® is registered for use with! If you want long term persistent weed control in one or more of these crops, then it’s time to start planning.

Chateau needs to be applied in late winter or early spring  to bare ground in the herbicide strip. For best results good preparation is essential, with any established weeds in that strip being sprayed and allowed to die down completely before Chateau is applied. Any established perennial weeds like mallow, dandelion, white clover and perennial ryegrass need to be dealt with using an appropriate herbicide as Chateau will not kill established weeds. If such weeds , trash, mulch or prunings are present, this will prevent Chateau from reaching the ground and
creating a consistent protective layer which prevents seedlings germinating.

When planning your Chateau programme, an effective knockdown herbicide can be tank added if small weeds are present at application. Keep in mind “small” because large weeds will affect coverage and the efficacy of your
Chateau application.

When using Chateau it is important to ensure crop safety. Chateau is safe for use under young and established trees, bushes or vines that have been established for more than 1 year. It is nonvolatile and a safe and effective tool for use on a wide range of soil types. But like all herbicide use, it is important to be aware of potential hazards and how to avoid them.

There is no risk from volatile gases but drift from spray droplets can damage crops. Ensure spray equipment is correctly calibrated and avoid applying Chateau when wind speeds are less than 3km or
higher than 30km per hour.

Treated soil will not leach or cause crop damage or environment damage but dust blown onto fruit or foliage can be harmful. If this is a possible risk - especially immediately after application - irrigate to moisten soil and prevent dust and don’t mow or disturb the soil until it’s had at least 15 mm of moisture. Remember, Chateau should be applied to moist soil and requires at least 15mm of rain or irrigation within three weeks of application to fully activate the herbicide and let it do its job properly.

Chateau works by forming a protective barrier on the soil surface, preventing the emergence of a wide range of grass and broadleaf weeds after their seeds germinate. 

As soon as germinating seedlings reach the soil surface the active ingredient of Chateau, flumioxazin, rapidly reacts with sunlight causing disruption to cell membranes and death of the plant.

Germinating weeds are not normally seen and quickly die before they have the chance to get started. When Chateau is applied per label instructions, it can control weeds for 4-8 months.

If you are looking for proven crop safety, efficacy and season-long weed control, start planning your upcoming
Chateau programme now for best results.

For more information contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor.

Article supplied by Nufarm ®Chateau is a registered Trademark of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Japan.