LockStar, a residual herbicide from ICL, has been granted a label update in Ireland.

This follows shortly after being given the same approval in the UK.

Customers can now apply LockStar all-year round instead of the previous limited window of between February and June. ICL say this will provide contractors and grounds managers with the opportunity to adapt their approach and give them greater control over weed growth.

Previously, LockStar could only be used on natural surfaces not intended to bear vegetation. However, the new label update grants the use of the product on amenity vegetation (around). This will allow for the herbicide to be applied in a wider range of situations and be used in more areas such as around the base of shrubs, trees, plants and other amenity areas.

ICL say LockStar controls a broad spectrum of weeds for up to four months and allows for professional and safe weed control. The formula contains diflufenican and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium – which is the first new weed control active ingredient to be released in the Republic of Ireland for many years.

When applied before germination the product creates a dual barrier at the soil surface which keeps weeds at bay. To control weeds that are already present, LockStar should be tank-mixed with glyphosate or a fatty acid.

The product should be applied at a rate of 500g/ha with just a single application required per season.