Weed Management

Weed Management

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
As winter wheat growers look at spring herbicide applications, it is important to consider winter weather effects when thinking about weed management practices. Winter weather conditions this season brought minimal precipitation through January. The result: large patches of bare ground and fields that face extensive weed emergence.

In winter wheat, snow-covered ground provides insulation that prevents winter kill due to cold temperatures and windburn. The lack of snow coverage provided an opportunity for weed seed movement and reduced winter kill protection.

Dow Chemical weed scientist, Abe Smith: "Weed seed travels onto bare, damaged winter wheat areas creating an opportunity for weeds to get off to a good start. This is a challenge for winter wheat growers as they plan for spring weed control."

Winter wheat growers can benefit from an aggressive plan to combat yield loss due to weed competition. "It is important for growers to do an honest evaluation of their weed control program. Are you seeing weeds carry over year after year? If so, what has contributed to it? Are you evaluating spray tactics, getting good coverage, applying the recommended surfactants, and following label recommendations?" If weed species are becoming harder to control it may be time to reevaluate current weed control practices to protect the long-term sustainability of herbicide options. Rotating modes of action is vital to prevent herbicide resistance.

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