Strengths of residual corn herbicides compensate for weaknesses of glyphosate
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BETWEEN THE ROWS
By Greg Armel
DuPont Corn and Soybean Product Development Specialist
Most corn and soybean growers have spent the long winter months farming on paper--or more likely, on the computer. But now that spring is coming quickly to the High Plains, it is almost time to put those plans to work in the field.
One hot topic of discussion in recent months has been reports of resistance or reduced efficacy of glyphosate. In most situations where glyphosate tolerance or resistance has been reported, growers relied on this single mode of action for five to seven years in a row. Glyphosate has been a wonderful weed management tool, but like any herbicide, it cannot carry the load all by itself.
Another topic that I have been hearing a lot of talk about is the increase in fuel and input costs. Most growers I talk to are looking for weed control programs in corn that will maximize their return on investment this season.
At DuPont, we believe the best way to sort through these tough issues is to develop a program that will control weeds this spring and protect your yields in the fall. We are encouraging growers to consider adding a residual component to their current herbicide programs. Doing this in a glyphosate program helps improve performance through burndown and/or residual activity against later-emerging grasses and broadleaf weeds, including many problem weeds not controlled by glyphosate alone. Some residual materials can be applied pre-plant, preemergence or postemergence.
Another nice benefit of an early residual herbicide application is that it helps you manage your workload and gives you a wider application window to come back with glyphosate. This will be especially important if wet weather keeps you out of the fields, as frequently happens on the High Plains.
Weed control decisions have become more complex since the time I first started in this business. But from what I have seen in the field, a residual herbicide application is the best way to fill in the gaps left by glyphosate and will help us keep it effective for years to come. Just like buying an insurance policy, investing a little more up front can head off a lot of potential problems down the road.
Editor's note: Between the Rows is brought to you by industry leaders in order to keep you informed about current growing conditions, regional practices, important management issues and environmental concerns. Greg Armel, Newark, Del., is a corn and soybean product development specialist for DuPont Crop Protection.
Date: 3/23/06
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