Factors influencing the tolerance of flufenacet applications in winter rye

In winter rye which is grown mostly on locations with a lighter soil texture loose silky-bent grass (Apera spica-venti) is a dominate weed grass. Because of increasing herbicide resistance the control of A. spica-venti becomes more difficult. To manage resistant weed grass populations in winter rye flufenacet is a very important active substance. However, the application of flufenacet can lead to substantially culture damage. The influence of different factors influencing the tolerance of flufenacet applications in rye was proved in field trails carried out by the Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen over several years. The degree of damage of culture increased with a higher amount of flufenacet being applicated. Damage, loss of plants and yield loss caused by flufenacet application differed between grown varieties of rye. The highest damage of culture was found on sandy soils with lowest humus content. The size of rye seed had no influence on the degree of damage or yield loss of rye caused by flufenacet application. Options to use flufenacet well-tolerated for winter rye are discussed.