July 2018

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SEED

seed@woldmarsh.com

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS WITH CLEARFIELD

Clearfield is well known for delivering excellent problem weed control, but it is also quickly becoming the system of choice for many growers for a host of other reasons. No longer a niche crop, grown only to control difficult cruciferous weeds, but an easier, practical way of growing a reliable, high yielding rape crop. According to market research company, Kleffmann, over 60,000 hectares of Clearfield OSR was planted in autumn

2017, with 6% of growers choosing to grow only Clearfield varieties. Proof that Clearfield is continuing to change perceptions across the UK.

Total Clearfield © area

1% Market Share 7,520ha

5% Market Share 29,132ha

10% Market Share 60,850ha

WHY ARE MORE AND MORE GROWERS CHOOSING THE CLEARFIELD SYSTEM? In addition to the flexibility offered by the post- emergence Clearfield herbicides, Cleranda and Cleravo, Clearfield offers a wide range of benefits far beyond brassica weed control. HIGH YIELDS Clearfield varieties have improved significantly since they were introduced in 2012 and growers can now confidently look forward to good yields and other agronomic features. This was demonstrated in a 2017 survey, where 80 Clearfield growers provided yields for DK Imperial CL, Veritas CL or DK Imagis CL. The average yield was 3.9t/ha, which is directly in line with the 2017 UK OSR national average. For autumn 2018, there are 14 Clearfield varieties available, with many more waiting in the wings, underlining the significant breeding commitment that underpins the Clearfield technology and firmly indicating even further genetic potential is in the pipeline. RAPID ESTABLISHMENT Almost all Clearfield varieties demonstrate a rapid autumn growth habit, helping the crop get up and away from challenges such as flea beetle, slugs and dry seedbeds. Furthermore, all Clearfield varieties are tolerant of sulphonylurea (SU) residues, which can exist if the soil has not been sufficiently cultivated after SU use in the previous crop, further helping to minimise establishment risk in difficult autumns. 4 1

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

Kleffmann Group - Amis ® seed Winter Oilseed Rape - GB 2017/18

THE BENEFITS

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SUPERB WEED CONTROL Removal of brassica weeds is what Clearfield is best known for. When Cleranda or Cleravo are applied at one to four true leaves of the target weeds, they provide excellent control. However, controlling volunteer oilseed rape is now also a key benefit for many, who are striving to achieve a more optimum plant canopy, essential for maximising yields. This unique control is even more beneficial where industrial-use high erucic acid rape (HEAR) oilseed rape has been grown in the past as it helps achieve a purer oil sample. Clearfield herbicides provide the broadest spectrum of weed control of any available herbicide in oilseed rape, including control of all other key broad-leaved weeds, as well as volunteer cereals, wild oats, bromes and ryegrass.

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HIGH YIELDS

No more yield lag

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SUPERB WEED CONTROL Brassica weeds

Volunteer oilseed rape Broadleaf weed & volunteer cereals

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REMOVE SOURCES OF ERUCIC ACID NFU key control point

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RAPID ESTABLISHMENT

Hybrid vigour Sulphonylurea (SU) residue tolerance

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REMOVE SOURCES OF ERUCIC ACID

The legal limit for rapeseed oil in foodstuffs is currently 5% but authorities are considering tightening this standard down to 2%. Currently, price penalties are incurred if erucic acid in oilseed rape is found to be between 2 - 5%. Whilst crop rejection is a possibility if above 5%. The reasons for this problem are not fully understood. However, it is thought that brassica weed contamination, HEAR volunteers, farm- saved seed and accidental admixture with high erucic acid rapeseed could be causing the issue. With “weed control” being a key control point identified by the NFU, the Clearfield system is a unique tool to help reduce the weed burden of both brassica weeds and volunteer oilseed rape that may be contaminating your oilseed rape crop.

Non-Clearfield ® variety

Clearfield ® variety

Apply to small weeds for quick control. Here, charlock and volunteer OSR are showing symptoms 10 days after Cleravo has been applied.

An SU herbicide was applied pre-drilling to demonstrate the tolerance of Clearfield ® varieties