Hybrid Selection and Herbicide Resistance

Hybrid selection is an important component in the corn crop planning process.  Considerations range from traits and their value to your preference in regards to handling soil insecticides. All in all, it can be a rather difficult and encompassing decision-making process.

The best approach is to consider the value of the hybrid package based on your integrated pest management plan and the anticipated yield and crop price. Here are a few considerations the University of Delaware gave to their growers in regards to herbicide resistance:

Selecting a hybrid with herbicide resistance to glyphosate and glufosinate has value in situations where you:

1) May want try to cut costs with a lower rate residual herbicide program

2) Have some weed management issues that are difficult to address otherwise

3) Have other Roundup Ready® crop fields getting a mid-season post herbicide application nearby that could result in drift injury if Roundup Ready corn was not used

4) Have trouble getting post emergence herbicides applied before they may cause some injury to the crop

When making your hybrid selection decisions, it is critical that you develop an effective herbicide stewardship plan. These technologies are very effective but require proper management to prolong resistance development in the weeds and insects.

Roundup Ready® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC.