As a retailer, you know the value of a program approach to weed control. But it can sometimes be difficult to explain the value of each herbicide application to your customers.
“When part of the program approach is missed, the grower often has to play catch-up and battle weeds with an increased amount of chemistry, which can affect crop yield,” says Tony Goede, Enlist® field specialist, Corteva Agriscience.
We broke down the benefits of each application so you can help your customers dial in their soybean weed control program approach.
“Starting with tillage or a burndown application helps prepare the field for planting,” Goede says. “Creating a desirable seedbed to plant into promotes better germination and plant health to start the growing season off strong.”
Product recommendations
Any weed in the field after planting will compete with the crop for important soil nutrients. That’s why it’s important to use quality preemergence herbicides that include a residual.
“A preemergence application with a residual herbicide will protect the crop from weed competition and control weeds with long emergence periods,” Goede says.
Product recommendations
Proper application timing will depend on diligent scouting and targeting small weeds. Postemergence applications often occur 21 to 28 days after planting.
“The Enlist One herbicide label requires weeds to be less than 6 inches; however, applying a postemergence application when weeds are 2 to 4 inches tall will bring you the best results,” Goede says.
He recommends keeping an eye on fields after the first postemergence application, as some weeds continue to germinate well into the growing season. If there are more weeds present, a second postemergence application may be necessary.
“Choosing chemistries that can be sprayed on the crop at this time is important. Growth stage of the crop as well as calendar dates will affect your herbicide options.”
Product recommendations
“Using residuals in preemergence applications in conjunction with Enlist herbicides postemergence brings the best opportunity for effective season-long weed control,” Goede says.
Using multiple modes of action not only helps to target different types of weeds but also helps to battle tough-to-control weeds, including waterhemp, pigweed and giant ragweed. Allowing multiple chemistries to tackle tough weeds improves control and will help keep active ingredients viable for years to come.
“Having the right chemistries is critical to keeping fields clean,” Goede concludes. “Make sure you have the best lineup possible for your geography and that you have the correct brand and anticipated volumes for each crop and customer.”
™ ® Elevore, Enlist, Enlist Duo, Enlist E3, Enlist One, EverpreX, Kyber and Sonic are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. ®Liberty is a registered trademark of BASF. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist® crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Elevore®, EverpreX®, Kyber® and Sonic® are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions.