Considerations for Small Grains Weed Control

By WCU Editor

Mark VanGessel, Extension Weed Specialist; mjv@udel.edu

For no-till fields, a non-selective herbicide needs to be used prior to planting. If grasses are present glyphosate is a better choice than paraquat. Fields worked with a vertical tillage implement for residue management still need a non-selective herbicide. These implements are not weed control tools.

There are few effective herbicides labeled for preemergence applications. Sharpen is labeled but we have limited data in the region to recommend it for either residual weed control or crop safety. Valor can be used at 1 to 2 oz with the burndown application, but there must be a 30 day period between application and planting wheat due to concerns with crop safety.

A few products can be used shortly after the crop has emerged. Axiom and Prowl H2O can be used at crop emergence (Axiom at the spike stage and Prowl H2O at 1 leaf stage); however they need to be tankmixed with other herbicides or followed by postemergence herbicides to provide a broad spectrum of control.

Products that provide postemergence control include: Harmony, Harmony Extra, Starane Ultra, Osprey, PowerFlex, Axial XL, 2,4-D, or dicamba. Others labeled with a limited fit include metribuzin, Finesse, and Maverick.
Source: Weekly Crop Update

About Mark VanGessel

Dr. Mark VanGessel is an Extension Specialist and Professor in Weed/Crop Management at the University of Delaware.

This is an archived post. For up-to-date recommendations visit the Weekly Crop Update @ http://extension.udel.edu/weeklycropupdate/

Remember: The label is a legally-­binding contract between the user and the manufacturer. The user must follow all rates and restrictions as per label directions. The use of any pesticide inconsistent with the label directions is a violation of Federal law.