More in Application

This summer's lack of rain has translated into the potential for summer-applied herbicides to carry over into winter wheat or even spring-planted corn and soybean crops – something growers need to be monitoring, say Bill Johnson and Travis Legleiter, Purdue Extension weed scientists. In a normal year, soil moisture helps dissipate herbicide soil concentrations, but in a drought year, the lack of moisture slows that process. Some herbicides might carry over and exceed the labeled crop rotation restrictions meant to prevent injury to the next crop....More

Dow AgroSciences and the Save Our Crops Coalition (SOCC) have been engaged in discussions to resolve SOCC concerns regarding the potential for herbicide injury to non-target plants after the introduction of Dow AgroSciences’ new 2,4-D tolerant crops. Dow AgroSciences and SOCC have successfully concluded those discussions....More

Applying fungicides to soybeans free of foliar disease problems isn't likely to help alleviate drought stress and could contribute to fungicide-resistant diseases, says Kiersten Wise, a Purdue Extension plant pathologist. Soybean growers probably are feeling pressure to apply fungicides as the crop enters the R3 growth stage, regardless of disease presence, based on claims that the products can reduce drought stress, increase photosynthesis and, ultimately, increase yields....More

Over the past few weeks, the primary question I have been asked is whether foliar fungicides still provide a benefit to drought-stressed crops. In issue 12 (June 22), I summarized corn foliar fungicide research trials conducted from 2008 to 2011. The greatest yield response and the greatest likelihood of a profitable fungicide application were observed where disease pressure was the highest. Foliar fungal disease pressure will be low in water-stressed fields, so the likelihood that fungicide application will be profitable is low....More

It has been hot and dry for most of the corn-growing season so far. These conditions are highly unfavorable for foliar diseases to develop in field corn, yet several producers have expressed interest in applying foliar fungicides. Gray leaf spot (GLS), the number one foliar disease of corn in Ohio, develops best at temperatures between 70° and 90° F, especially when conditions are consistently wet and humid....More

The eastern Corn Belt's early corn crop has started to – and so have the weeds. So now is the time for growers to consider postemergence herbicide applications, says Travis Legleiter, a Purdue Extension weed specialist. In the northern part of the Corn Belt, some of the crop is as far along as the V3, or third leaf, growth stage. Development is even further along in some fields in the southern part of the region. That means corn farmers need to prepare to apply the right postemergence herbicide at the right time, likely within the next few weeks....More

It’s been another abnormal spring and many farmers have had to adjust some of their management practices. Specifically, the combination of the unusual weather and a need to get control of glyphosate-resistant weeds has increased the need to more closely scrutinize weed-management programs....More

"In general, postemergent applications should be made before weeds get taller than 2-4 in., because that's when competition can begin to impact yields," says WinField Regional Agronomist Steve Barnhart. "Plus small weeds are a lot easier to control than larger ones." Because every field is different, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to turn to when it comes to planning postemergent herbicide applications....More

University of Illinois associate professor of weed science Aaron Hager says that the below-freezing temperatures last week damaged some emerged corn in some parts of Illinois. “While the damage appears not to be widespread, it is very likely that some growers will opt to replant damaged stands,” he says. Losses of the initial corn stand could range from complete to partial, so farmers may need to control existing corn plants before replanting....More

Although the calendar shows it's March, many Midwest farmers are preparing their fields for spring planting like it's the middle of April. That's not necessarily a good thing, says Purdue Extension Weed Specialist Bill Johnson....More