Many farmers got opportunities to reseed grassland during the dry periods in May.

However, following the recent wet weather countrywide, many weeds have germinated and are now competing with the grass seedlings.

Fathen and redshank are the two most common weeds this year along with chickweed.

It is important to eliminate these weeds before they begin to smother out the grass.

Managing weeds in newly established grass and clover leys has become more straightforward with the introduction of ProClova XL, a new herbicide from Corteva Agriscience.

ProClova XL combines two active ingredients, rinskor and amidosulfuron, delivering broad-spectrum weed control in newly reseeded grassland while maintaining clover safety.

For farmers carrying out reseeding this season, early weed control is essential to give young grass and clover plants the best opportunity to establish successfully.

Applying a post-emergence herbicide shortly after reseeding helps remove weed competition and supports the development of a productive sward.

According to Chris Maughan, Technical Manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, distributor of ProClova XL in Ireland, the optimum application window is typically six to eight weeks after reseeding.

He explained: "The grass should have reached the tillering stage, while the clover should have developed at least three trifoliate leaves before treatment.

ProClova XL provides effective control of a wide range of problem weeds, including chickweed, docks, fat-hen, red dead nettle, and redshank.

Chickweed can be particularly damaging in new reseeds if left unchecked.

Dense infestations can overwhelm young grass plants, reducing establishment rates and creating opportunities for other weeds such as docks, thistles and buttercups to invade.

The result can be poor pasture performance and a reduced return on the investment made in reseeding.

Maughan also stressed the importance of tackling docks at an early stage.

"Early treatment prevents the development of deep taproots, making long-term control much more effective and reducing future weed pressure."

Managing larger weeds

Where weeds emerge ahead of the grass crop or spraying is delayed, larger weeds may require a stronger treatment approach.

In these situations, ProClova XL can be applied at the established grassland rate of one co-pack per 2ha.

Applications should only be made once there is at least 90% ground cover from both grass and weeds.

Using the higher rate helps achieve improved control of larger weeds, particularly established dock plants.

Apply during active growth

Achieving the best results with ProClova XL depends on applying it during periods of active plant growth.

For optimum performance, night-time temperatures should remain above 8°C for at least three consecutive nights before and after spraying.

This is especially important for applications made during early spring when growth conditions can be variable.

Available as a twin-pack solution

ProClova XL is supplied as a twin-pack containing two separate bottles: ProClova and XL.

The ProClova bottle contains the active ingredients rinskor and amidosulfuron, while the XL bottle contains a specialist adjuvant oil.

The oil enhances herbicide performance, improves consistency of weed control and helps maintain crop safety for both grass and clover.

Both components must be mixed and applied together to achieve the intended results.

ProClova XL – key points and best practice

Suitable for use in new leys from April through to October.
Recommended rate in newly sown leys: 85g + 165ml/ha (one pack treats 3ha);
In established grassland, or where ground cover exceeds 90%, use 125g + 250ml/ha (one pack treats 2ha);
Controls a range of key weeds including docks, chickweed, fat-hen, redshank and red dead nettle;
Apply when weeds are actively growing for maximum effectiveness;
Early treatment helps protect the investment made in reseeding and supports stronger sward establishment.
In established grassland it also controls dandelions, buttercups, plantains, cow parsley, and hogweeds.
Rainfast in 1 hour, while livestock should be kept off for seven days post-treatment (in the absence of ragwort).
Use from the tillering stage of the grass and when the clover has three trifoliate leaves present.

Clover safety: A transitory effect (leaf deformation/growth inhibition) may be seen following application, but full recovery will follow after two/three grazings.

Ideally swards should be grazed in the following weeks after applications to allow light get to the base of the crop, which in turn helps the clover to grow.

Red clover: When used on grass leys containing red clover, ProClova XL should be applied in the year after establishment - so reseeds sown last autumn containing red clover can be sprayed this spring.