Wet Weather Gives Advantage to Giant Ragweed
Researchers are worried that, in an effort to get their fields planted, some growers are putting weed management on the back burner. In Indiana, where growers are faced with troublesome glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed, this practice could lead to yield losses later in the season. Bill Johnson, Purdue University Extension weed specialist, warns that leaving some of these weeds uncontrolled could result in 30 percent yield losses.
In a recent article out of Indiana, weed specialists are advising growers to burndown existing vegetation before planting their soybeans due to the fact that there are few post-emergent options to control glyphosate-resistant ragweed. Because of the wet weather in the Midwest this spring, many are rushing to get fields planted. And, using 2,4-D as a burndown is recommended to help control not only glyphosate-tolerant populations, but also those with ALS-resistance. But, the use of 2,4-D only delays planting even more due to the seven-day pre-plant interval.
How has wet weather and delayed planting affected weed management on your acres? What sacrifices have you made in order to get crops in the ground? What sacrifices are you willing to make in order to not further delay planting?
Wet weather has delayed fieldwork across the Midwest. Source: Corn Commentary