Wild oats

Wild oats have evolved in parallel to winter cereal crops and are particularly well suited to compete strongly with wheat. Left uncontrolled, they can reduce wheat yield by as much as 80%.

Description

Wild oat seedlings have leaves twisted anticlockwise – the opposite direction to wheat and barley.

The sheaths are smooth or slightly hairy, especially in younger plants. The dark green leaf blades remain twisted and the youngest leaf is rolled. Mature plants reach up to 150 cm.

Control

Wild oats are probably second only to annual ryegrass as the most challenging grass weed in winter cropping. Resistance to herbicides with older modes of action is widespread, so integrated weed management is essential.

As with most of the key grass weeds of winter cropping, Sakura provides effective early and lasting control in favourable conditions with no cross-resistance.