A new high load version of a popular summer fallow herbicide with its own in-built surfactant is making the job easier for growers.

Spraytop 330, from Adama Australia, contains a concentrated formulation of 330 grams per litre of the active ingredient, paraquat, while the fully-loaded convenience of an in-built surfactant eliminates the need for an additional surfactant, unless it is required in a specific tank-mix or for the targeted weeds.

Adama Australia portfolio manager – herbicides, Rob Walker, said the concentrated and fully-loaded herbicide delivered welcome benefits for growers, including lower use rates as well as reduced packaging, transport and storage requirements, while the reduced handling also provided OH&S benefits.

“In fallow situations, Spraytop 330 provides excellent knockdown control of annual grass and broadleaf weeds prior to sowing.

“It also is an ideal fit for ‘double knock’ spraying strategies following an application of glyphosate.

“Compatible with a wide range of herbicides and insecticides, Spraytop 330 provides good general weed control as well in registered crop and non-crop situations.”

Mr Walker said that in extensive field trials since 2018 involving a broad range of use patterns across various regions, Spraytop 330 has demonstrated robust weed control comparable to other paraquat formulations.

“Compared with untreated areas in a trial near Galong in New South Wales last year (see graph), Spraytop 330 recorded near 100 per cent control of annual ryegrass 28 days after application.

“Efficacy was comparable to other formulations in the trial, however this is where the benefits of Spraytop 330 are well highlighted, with reduced application volumes compared with lower-loaded formulations, as well as handling and cost benefits due to no additional surfactant requirements.”