A new high strength glufosinate herbicide with unique surfactant technology is now available from UPL – a global leader in glufosinate production.

Fascinate Dry Herbicide (500 g/kg glufosinate ammonium) – a high-load, non-selective post-emergent herbicide providing broad spectrum weed control of grasses, broadleaf weeds and vines will be available to resellers in September.

UPL Australia marketing manager, Ian Cass said that the latest high strength version of Fascinate is a soluble granule with superior surfactant technology.

“We’ve developed a granular formulation with excellent solubility and efficacy that we believe is second to none,” he said. “Our new formulation is the highest strength glufosinate in the market, at nearly twice the strength of Fascinate 280.”

Australian trial results show new Fascinate Dry Herbicide to be equivalent to Basta herbicide in controlling grass and broadleaf weeds in orchard environments and for fallow weed control in cropping systems, according to Mr Cass.

As well as providing comparable efficacy in local trials, Mr Cass said the new formulation offers superior quality and usability.

“Fascinate Dry Herbicide offers growers a number of benefits compared to standard glufosinate formulations,” he said. “It has a built in surfactant and is low foaming, making it easy to use and handle.”

The new herbicide is conveniently packaged in five kilogram packs, with two packs per ten kilogram box, and a handy cardboard pourer included for measuring.

“Not only have we reduced the bulk of product to handle, but we’ve removed the hassle of needing to store and recycle drums. The granules also mix easily in water,” he said.

“Dilution stability tests show that even in hard water, Fascinate Dry demonstrates good solubility without separating or depositing sediment, making it easy to use in the paddock.”

Dilution stability tests using hard water 20 ppm and 500 ppm with Fascinate Dry Herbicide resulted in 0.0 % separation and 0.0% sedimentation after 24 hours.

As well as mixing readily in water, Mr Cass said Fascinate Dry is also an excellent tank mix partner to widen weed control, and has good compatibility with other herbicides.

“The high strength formulation means there is less product to transport, handle and store – benefitting growers and resellers alike.

“UPL is a leading global supplier of glufosinate, producing glufosinate technical from the start to the final formulated and packaged product.

“UPL has developed a new patented synthesis pathway for producing a pure active isomer glufosinate technical. The result is a high-load product with equivalent efficacy, positioning them in a low-cost leadership position globally.

“As a global leader in glufosinate technology, UPL have invested heavily in modern manufacturing facilities in the USA and India and are poised to increase glufosinate capacity,” Mr Cass said.

“Having ownership from the very start allows us to provide a quality product with a reliable and consistent supply to the Australian market.”