Only a few herbicides can be applied using 28% as the spray carrier. These are Degree, Degree Xtra and Bullet. Degree Xtra and Degree can be applied in 28% on corn up to 6 in. tall, when air temperatures are less than 85° F. Bullet can be applied to corn up to 5 in. with the same temperature restriction. Expect some leaf burn from these mixtures. All other herbicides must be applied using water as the spray carrier.

There is usually a maximum corn size specified, which can be based on growth stage or corn height. This can be as small as the V2 stage for some herbicides, such as Corvus and Balance Flex.

Most premixes or tank mixtures that contain atrazine can adequately control small broadleaf weeds, and especially those that contain another broadleaf herbicide (e.g. Lexar, Lumax, Instigate, SureStart). Grasses more than about an inch tall will require the addition of glyphosate, Liberty or other herbicide with effective grass activity.

Follow adjuvant recommendations closely to minimize the risk of injury and do not assume that it is always possible to use an adjuvant once corn has emerged.

Based on research with this type of approach to herbicide management, herbicides should be applied when weeds are less than about 2 in. tall to ensure that they have been prevented from causing yield loss.

Further information can be found on herbicide labels and also in the herbicide descriptions in the “Weed Control Guide for Ohio and Indiana.” However, we find that labels can lack enough information on adjuvants and tankmix partners for this situation. Be sure to check with dealers and manufacturer/distributor agronomists to get specific information when necessary.