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Facing weed control product shortages? Plan now for your needs next spring.

November 26, 2021

3 Min Read
Palmer amaranth
WEED CONTROL: With shortages of weed control products forecasted to continue into 2023, and higher prices for the products farmers can find, it’s for important farmers to line up their plans for spring weed management now rather than later, says Kansas State University Research and Extension.Courtesy of K-State Research and Extension

While you’re making another round in the field this harvest season, take a moment to note the areas in the field where you had weed escapes, advises Sarah Lancaster, Kansas State University weed management specialist. Making a few notes now will help you better prepare for your spring weed management strategies, she says.

“Things to take note of include what weed species are present, where weed escapes are present, and any changes in the size or location of weed escapes,” Lancaster writes in the Nov. 11 Agronomy eUpdate. “Some of your observations might be the result of soil or environmental conditions, while others might suggest problems with herbicide selection or application equipment. However, some of these escapes might indicate the presence of herbicide-resistant weeds in your field — especially if you have used the same herbicide program for a number of years.”

Herbicide shortages

Lancaster says the anticipated shortages of key herbicides into next year — and even into 2023 — means farmers have to dial in their weed management plans now, so that they can line up product sooner.

“For example, prices for some glyphosate products are currently as much as 2.5 times higher than last fall,” she writes. Herbicide concerns are also compounded by shortages of other inputs. Here are some things to consider as you make plans for 2022:

1. Take delivery of herbicides as soon as practical. However, be sure you have adequate storage to maintain the quality of the products. One consideration that could simplify storage concerns would be to opt for dry formulations rather that liquids whenever possible.

2. Use the available products to maximum efficacy. Check pumps and hoses for leaks. Make sure nozzles are right for the job and are functioning properly. Reconsider application parameters like spray volume and driving speed. Greater spray volumes generally increase the effectiveness of postemergence products, especially contact herbicides like glufosinate (Liberty and others). Slower driving speed can also increase herbicide deposits on target weeds, increasing the effectiveness of your applications.

3. Reevaluate residual herbicides. Residual herbicides are the foundation for excellent weed control. Now is the time to update a preemerge program to include multiple effective herbicides that will provide extended weed control. Adding layered or overlapping residuals to a postemerge program can reduce the need for additional passes with hard-to-find herbicides later.

4. Pay attention to agronomics. Good crop production practices that result in a healthy, competitive crop can go a long way toward managing weeds. Consider how you can optimize crop rotations, planting patterns and other agronomic practices to promote weed suppression.

5. Consider cover crops. This might be a year when added weed suppression could be a factor in favor of planting cover crops. Winter cereals generally provide the best weed suppression, and they can be terminated with Group 1 herbicides like clethodim (Select and others) or quizalofop (Assure II and others) instead of glyphosate. Consider “planting green,” using the same application for cover crop termination and applying residual herbicides.

6. Be flexible. Have a Plan B if your preferred product is not available, and know the alternatives with the same or similar active ingredient. Consider other active ingredients that are effective on your key weed species. And don’t forget premixes that contain glyphosate and glufosinate. K-State's Chemical Weed Control Guide can be a valuable reference to identify alternative products.

Source: Kansas State Department of Agronomy is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

 

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