Pigweed, morningglory, lambsquarters, waterhemp and marestail. You don’t need a survey to tell you these weeds can cause big trouble. But you do need a sound approach and effective applications to minimize losses.
In a survey by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), hundreds of weed scientists, Extension agents and other weed experts identified Palmer amaranth (Palmer pigweed), morningglory species, common lambsquarters, common and tall waterhemp, and horseweed (marestail) as the most troublesome weeds in the U.S. Across Canada, Galium species (cleavers, catchweed bedstraw, false cleavers), wild oat, Canada thistle, kochia and wild buckwheat topped the list.[Tweet “Here’s how to control your 5 toughest weeds. Via @Case_IH #BeReady “]
Management
It’s important to work with your crop consultant, agronomist or local Extension personnel to develop weed management programs that protect yields today while preserving future effectiveness. In other words: manage against herbicide resistance. Palmer amaranth, for example, has caused serious economic hardship for farmers across the Southern U.S. Reduced efficacy of treatment options has aided its spread.1
Weed scientists recommend an integrated approach to managing herbicide resistance. Most suggest a multipronged approach that includes several of these practices:2
- Rotate crops. Mixing up crop production practices brings other herbicide modes of action to bear against weeds. Crop rotation also can help with insect and disease management.
- Mechanical control. Widespread resistance to some herbicides and limited options in certain crops, such as cotton, have helped make cultivation an option worth considering.
- Proper herbicide use. Follow the product specimen label; don’t skimp on rates; and treat at the right time.
- Mix up your herbicide program. Mechanism (or mode) of action is the way a herbicide controls a susceptible weed. It’s important to use multiple mechanisms of action and vary those choices from year to year.
- Keep good records. Tracking which herbicides you use can help you plan a better program. Documenting a poor or failed program can help you avoid repeating the program, which only serves to increase herbicide-resistant weeds.
- Scout after spraying. If weeds survive treatment, it’s important to note that and to determine the reason. Streaky control could indicate application error or the impact of environmental conditions. Scattered or patchy weed escapes could indicate herbicide resistance. If you suspect resistance, collect seeds and have a screening trial conducted.
Application
As the Texas Extension specialists note, proper herbicide application is critical in controlling weeds during the season and in managing against herbicide resistance. Sprayer calibration is the only way to know you’ve got your rates and spray volumes right. Rely on the product specimen label for correct application rates and other guidance. Recommended carrier volumes and nozzle selection will help ensure adequate coverage, which is critical to successful weed control.
With those factors in check, only the right equipment can provide consistent results across the most challenging field conditions. And that’s exactly what you get with Case IH Patriot® series sprayers. Thanks to Case IH Agronomic Design™, Patriot series sprayers combine technology, engineering and expertise to keep plants healthy and maximize yield potential. Talk to your Case IH dealer about how Patriot sprayers can help your crops achieve their full yield potential.
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