Cold, Wet Weather in Illinois Affects Weed Control
Wet weather has burdened growers in central Illinois all season, and harvest has been no exception. Craig Abell, Syngenta technical support rep, fills us in on how wet weather has impacted weed control.
After several weeks of rain, harvest is starting to progress again in central Illinois. If one can find a positive to the delay in harvest, it is that resistant weeds previously uncontrolled in many soybean fields have been killed by frost. Many fields this fall had glyphosate-resistant waterhemp and giant ragweed left uncontrolled by post glyphosate applications made earlier this summer. Unfortunately, it seems that each year the number of fields with weed escapes at harvest continues to increase.
Now that combines are rolling, there are several fields with waterhemp and giant ragweed plants remaining, with plenty of seeds poised to restock the seedbed for next year through the harvesting process.
Growers are going to have to rethink their weed control strategy for 2010 to reduce the selection pressure from glyphosate. Utilizing a burndown product like Gramoxone Inteon® with a residual herbicide like Prefix® at planting next year will offer early season weed control and reduce selection pressure. Also, a timely application (4-inch weeds) of Touchdown Total® will make for better, more consistent weed control.
Weeds like this common ragweed grew through standing water in parts of Illinois. The wet weather pushed planting back as late as June, while continued rains late in the season delay harvest.
Resistance Fighter of the Year
The wet scenario in Illinois is representative of many areas in the U.S. If you know of someone who has helped you navigate tough weed management issues and harsh conditions, nominate them for Resistance Fighter of the Year. Nominations are accepted through Monday, November 30, 2009, at http://www.resistancefighteroftheyear.com/. Eligible nominees include retailers, consultants and county extension agents who have successfully implemented resistance management practices with producers in their area.