Falling commodity prices and pressure to cut costs may tempt spring wheat growers to skimp on herbicide programs. However, under these market conditions, focusing on effective weed control is more important than ever. Taking a big-picture approach to weed management can raise a producer's return on yields.
"Today's market is tough for spring wheat growers," says Bridgette Readel, market development specialist, Dow AgroSciences. "Changes in the corn and soybean market have occurred, causing many traditional spring wheat growers to switch back to the wheat crop they are comfortable growing. With tight budgets, it is essential not to cut corners on weed management."
Weed competition hits a grower's bottom line twice - first with reduced crop yields and then with dockage costs at the elevator. Readel shares tips for keeping weeds in check without sacrificing returns:
•Proper identification: To manage input costs, know the weed pressure in your fields and target those species. Key weeds to watch for are kochia, Canada thistle, false chamomile, narrowleaf hawksbeard, wild oats, foxtail, Japanese brome and cheatgrass. Also keep in mind that last year's crops are this year's weeds, so be prepared for volunteer canola, sunflower or soybeans.
•Evaluate herbicide program: Review your weed control program and consider how you can enhance results. New PerfectMatch herbicide simplifies weed management by controlling the broadest spectrum of broadleaf weeds and grasses in one product.
"Growers are excited about PerfectMatch because they have the opportunity to use a product 'powered by WideMatch' to control Canada thistle, wild buckwheat and kochia, plus grasses such as wild oats, Italian ryegrass and cheat," Readel says. "Instead of having to tank-mix, they can handle key driver weeds with a one-product solution. That makes a huge difference."
•Timely application: Control weeds early before they have a chance to compete for water, nutrients and sunlight. If temperatures turn warm, prepare for early season weeds, such as wild oats, common lambsquarters, Canada thistle, wild buckwheat and dandelion.
•Use recommended rates: Dollars saved by cutting herbicide costs will be lost in lower effectiveness.
"Herbicide rate and timing recommendations are created after thorough efficacy research," Readel says. "Decreased rates can reduce control of key driver weeds by 20 percent or more, causing escapes and increasing weed resistance risk."
•Think long-term: Weed escapes cause long-term management headaches because seeds remain viable for several years. Kochia can last in soils for three years, wild oats for five years and lambsquarters for up to16 years, says Readel. If not controlled, these weeds can affect future generations.
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