By Bernard Zandstra
New label improves control of broadleaves and grasses on asparagus and edamame.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Supplemental Label for the use of Command (clomazone) herbicide on asparagus and edamame. The label is supplemental to the federal Section 3 label for Command and expires Feb. 2, 2020.
For use on asparagus, apply 2.6 pints Command 3ME (1 pound active ingredient) per acre prior to weed and crop emergence in the spring. The pre-harvest interval is 14 days. Most asparagus fields in Michigan have already been treated for pre-emergence weed control. Some northern areas may still need to be treated, and Command may be used with 14 days before harvest. Make only one application of Command to asparagus per year.
Command controls many annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. It is very effective against common lambsquarters, common chickweed, common ragweed and velvetleaf. It is weak against most pigweeds. Command will be most effective when used in tank-mix with other pre-emergence herbicides, such as Karmex, Spartan, Prowl, Dual Magnum, Callisto and Sandea.
For Command use in edamame (vegetable soybean), apply 1.3 pints (0.5 pound active ingredient) after seeding and before weeds emerge. There is a 14-day pre-harvest interval. Command will improve overall weed control when used with other pre-emergence herbicides. Edamame is sensitive to most pre-emergence herbicides, therefore Michigan State University Extension suggests trying a small area of your field with any herbicide combination to determine the crop safety under your conditions.
Command causes bleaching in any plants with which it has contact. It is not overly volatile, but can move as drift in wind. Therefore, there are several label restrictions on set back from buildings and sensitive plants. Please see the Section 3 label for those restrictions.