Linseed growers have another post-emergence herbicide option, following the approval of a key sulfonyl urea herbicide that is highly active against a wide range of broad-leaved weeds.

Since the loss of bromoxynil in 2021, metsulfuron has been a valuable option for a crop with limited herbicide choices.

The chemical regulation division (CRD) at the Health and Safety Executive has now approved Laya (metsulfuron) for post-emergence weed control in linseed, where it joins a number of other metsulfuron products. 

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Containing 200g/kg of metsulfuron, the sulfonyl urea herbicide for spring-applied broad-leaved weed control has approval for wheat, barley, oats, triticale, and now also linseed.

Manufactured by the off-patent manufacturer Life Scientific, Laya is a reverse-engineered formulation of its reference product, Ally SX.

Hannah Foxall, agronomist with Premium Crops, underlines the importance metsulfuron plays in weed control in linseed.

“This approval is welcome news for linseed growers looking to control broad-leaved weeds post-emergence, as since the loss of bromoxynil there are restricted herbicide choices,” she says.

“The broad weed spectrum offered by metsulfuron is important for ease of harvest and cleaning up fields for the following crop.”

Ruth Stanley, Life Scientific’s UK and Ireland country manager, points out that best control is gained in good growing conditions.

“Laya should be applied once, at 30g/ha, to actively growing linseed from first pair of true leaves unfolded, with a latest timing before flower buds visible, or up to 25cm tall, whichever is the sooner.”

Laya is commercially available through distribution partners ProCam and Hutchinsons.