Preharvest herbicide options for soybean: Weeds may be an issue

Consider using a preharvest herbicide application in weedy soybean fields this year.

The lack of good row closure and challenges with weed control this season has left several soybean fields weedy as harvest approaches.  Without a killing frost, the “green” stems and leaf tissue of these weeds can cause issues with harvest.  Currently in Michigan there are four different herbicide options labeled as “Harvest Aids” to help desiccate or dry down the “green” stem and leaf tissue of weeds that can hinder soybean harvest.  These herbicides are glyphosate (Roundup and several other formulations), Gramoxone 2SL (paraquat and other formulations), Clarity 4L (dicamba), and Aim 1.9EW (carfentrazone).  Differences in these products include the speed of activity, preharvest intervals, recropping restrictions, and effectiveness.

September 20, 2012

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Preharvest herbicide use in dry edible beans: Caution needs to be taken to avoid illegal residues

The main intention of preharvest herbicide applications is to desiccate weeds; however many growers use these herbicide applications to hurry along or even out the maturing process of dry beans.  Currently in Michigan there are five different herbicide options labeled for preharvest applications in dry beans.

August 20, 2012

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Preharvest herbicide options for soybean: Weeds may be an issue

Consider using a preharvest herbicide application in weedy soybean fields this year.

The lack of good row closure and challenges with weed control this season has left several soybean fields weedy as harvest approaches.  Without a killing frost, the “green” stems and leaf tissue of these weeds can cause issues with harvest.  Currently in Michigan there are four different herbicide options labeled as “Harvest Aids” to help desiccate or dry down the “green” stem and leaf tissue of weeds that can hinder soybean harvest.  These herbicides are glyphosate (Roundup and several other formulations), Gramoxone 2SL (paraquat and other formulations), Clarity 4L (dicamba), and Aim 1.9EW (carfentrazone).  Differences in these products include the speed of activity, preharvest intervals, recropping restrictions, and effectiveness.

September 20, 2012

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Palmer amaranth found in more Michigan fields: Now is a good time to scout

Over the past few weeks I have received calls reporting that Palmer amaranth has been identified in more areas of Michigan.  Counties where Palmer amaranth has now been confirmed include St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Shiawassee, Clinton, and Barry counties.

July 27, 2012

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Dry conditions will likely impact herbicide carryover to rotational crops

Dry conditions this growing season throughout most of the state have not only affected the current crop, but will likely impact rotational crops including wheat and cover crops planted this fall. Reduced soil moisture following a herbicide application (especially in the first 2-4 weeks) can slow the degradation (breakdown) of herbicides, resulting in the potential for carryover. Additionally, lack of soil moisture can also result in increased herbicide adsorption to soil particles and organic matter, reducing herbicide availability for degradation. 

July 27, 2012

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