Herbicide-resistant weeds continued to be a big problem for growers this year, and control of weeds, in general, was hampered by the excessively wet growing season. Across Illinois, there are 11 confirmed resistant weed species.¹ Waterhemp is among the most troublesome. And, judging by the number of waterhemp plants in fields at harvest, the spread of glyphosate-resistant waterhemp continued this year.

Weed escapes left many fields with significant weed pressure at harvest, causing buildup of the weed seedbank, which can impact a field for many years. Waterhemp generally produces about 250,000 seeds per plant. Like most weeds, the seeds remain viable in the soil for several years.

Start 2016 weed control planning now and follow a program approach including herbicides with multiple modes of action. When used as part of a program approach, new technology such as the Enlist™ Weed Control System and timely postemergence application of Enlist Duo™ herbicide at full label rates will help take control of the toughest weeds.

Now is the time to take action against these troublesome weeds in preparation for next year. By taking a proactive approach now, growers can start 2016 with clean fields and have a strategy in place to help keep fields clean all season long. 

Begin with scouting

It is important to scout fields this fall and understand the weed spectrum in each field. Be aware of weed types and common resistant species in your area.

Program approach to start clean, stay clean

Start 2016 planning by using a program approach, including broad-spectrum soil residual herbicides with multiple modes of action. Be sure to apply them at full, recommended rates and follow label directions for application. This will help provide effective control of tough and resistant weeds and keep resistance off your farm.

Growers who followed these recommendations and were fortunate enough to make applications in 2015 despite the wet conditions saw cleaner fields. In fact, 2015 reinforced the value of using a strategic weed control program, including soil residual herbicides at the correct rates. Those growers who were able to apply preemergence residual products successfully held back weeds until postemergence applications could be made.

Keith Kenny deals with waterhemp and hard-to-control ragweed on his Schaller, Iowa, farm. This year, he applied a tank mix including Sonic^® preemergence herbicide to control weeds in soybeans.

“I like using the preemergence herbicides to control weeds right after planting,” Kenny says. “Preemergence residuals are especially important if you get a long rainy spell and you can’t get in to spray postemergence.”

Kenny was among select growers who had the opportunity to experience the new, breakthrough technology of the Enlist^™ Weed Control System and the benefits provided by Enlist Duo^™ herbicide this summer.

“I’ve had problems controlling waterhemp for a couple of years, and Enlist Duo controlled it completely. I was very happy with the weed control I got from Enlist Duo,” Kenny says.

Enlist Duo, a combination of new 2,4-D choline and glyphosate, provides an additional mode of action to help control tough and resistant weeds.

By learning from the weed challenges of 2015, you can put together a program approach that will help you start with clean fields in 2016 and control weeds throughout the year.

For more information on developing a program approach to weed control for your farm and the latest herbicide-tolerant trait technology to help manage hard-to-control and resistant weeds in 2016, visit the Enlist YouTube channel, follow on Twitter at @EnlistOnline or visit Enlist.com.

¹Herbicide-resistant weeds in Illinois, United States. WeedScience.org.

^®™Enlist, Enlist Duo and Sonic are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Enlist Duo and Sonic are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. ©2015 Dow AgroSciences LLC