Making a plan for weed control options

By CHRIS SNIP, CCA-ON, 4R NMS
Crop Sales Specialist
AGRIS Co-operative - Cottam

With supply chain issues being talked about in the media and some shelves at the grocery stores not having the exact product you are looking for, many are also concerned about getting the crop inputs they need coming into the spring of 2022. While here at AGRIS we do not foresee any supply issues on most products we carry there is still an element of the unknown.

While herbicides are not always top of mind, because of some of these issues, I believe we need to make sure we are reassessing our herbicide options. In Southwestern Ontario we have been battling glyphosate-resistant weeds for several years now, a key role in their control is multiple modes of effective action meaning we are putting more than one product in the tank to control these weeds. Now more than ever we need to understand which products can be mixed with each other and which products should either be applied separately or another product substituted to get the desired results.

Some issues that I have seen arise from improperly mixing different herbicides are poor weed control, poor spray patterning, increased drift, excess tank contamination, and of course the tank full of “pudding” or “cottage cheese”. This year more important than ever is to make sure we reduce the risk of unwanted outcomes and maximize our herbicide dollars.

I have created a list of things you should consider before you pull the sprayer out in the spring.

If for some reason the product you want isn’t available what are viable substitutions.
How do those substitutions work with the other products you plan to use.
Are there co-packs available or if the co-packs you want aren’t available are those active ingredients available in another format.
What are the proper water volumes for all the products you intend to use and are those water volumes in line with all the products you are putting in the tank together.
What surfactants, water conditions or compatibility agents should you be putting in the tank and are they compatible with all the products going into the tank (i.e. don’t use ammonia-based water conditioners with dicamba).
What surfactants/adjuvants can you use to increase your herbicide performance instead of just increasing herbicide rates.
What herbicides are the seeds you are planting tolerant to (i.e. Xtend Flex and Enlist soybeans allow the use of Liberty in crop), this allows you to make sure you are able to use all the tools available if needed.
If you are using multiple herbicide-tolerant platforms make a plan where each will be planted, stick to the plan and clean out the planter between different platforms.
Do you have the recommended spray tips for the herbicides you intend to use.
What tank cleaners do you need for the products you will be using.
Are there rotational restrictions with the products you intend to use or the substitutes you may choose to use.

While this is not an exhaustive list, I believe it will get you well on the way to being prepared to wage war on the weeds. I encourage you to talk with your AGRIS crop specialist in the coming weeks to make sure you have the details worked out before the temperatures warm up and the sprayer gets pulled out of the shed. This list can be used in any given year to maximize your time in the field and the products you put in the tank, on a year like this it may help you sleep a little better too.