News

Get pre-emergent herbicide down if possible

An extension weed management specialist who recognizes planting is behind still urges farmers to spray a pre-emergent herbicide wherever possible.

Jeff Gunsolus with the University of Minnesota says season-long control begins with a good burndown.

“I know that’s challenging, and I know that a lot of people aren’t going to do it, but you pay later. Field conditions still might not be improving (so) getting your post-emergence herbicides out there in a timely fashion, can be a challenge, so (getting a pre down) is still the main goal.”

He tells Brownfield that’s true for both corn and soybeans.

But if a pre-emergent application is not an option, Gunsolus points growers to Group 15 herbicides.

“Your Duals, your Harness, your Outlook. They have different growth stages after the crop is up that you can still apply, and if you have weeds that are emerged, those pre’s will kill those.”

He says those products can be effective tank mix partners with post-emergent herbicides like glyphosate or Liberty.