The exceptionally wet spring has encouraged good establishment and growth in sugar beet crops. Growers must be aware that the conditions are also perfect for encouraging a late flush of weeds, said Mike May of Broom's Barn.

The exceptionally wet spring has encouraged good establishment and growth in sugar beet crops.

Growers must be aware that the conditions are also perfect for encouraging a late flush of weeds, said Mike May of Broom's Barn.

He said: "While most growers will have already finished their weed control the exceptional weather conditions of the last few weeks has meant that a late flush of weeds is very likely and they should keep a close eye on their crops.

"In particular volunteer rape, fat hen, annual mercury and orache could well be a problem, especially when the weather eventually warms up. A final treatment could well pay dividends in terms of yield later in the year.

If growers are concerned about the presence of these weeds then they should consider using a treatment with a strong active contact element.

Using a contact containing the product desmedipham, a key component of Betanal Carrera, will give growers control of larger weeds, which is crucially important at this stage of the season. If any weeds are allowed to remain in the crop and get away the last chance to maximise yield will be missed."