Timing is Everything with Pre and Post

Apr 12, 2023


Pre and post emerge herbicides need to be applied at the right time.
Most things in farming are dependent upon the weather and the soil, but managing pre and post-herbicide applications is also about the calendar. Timing is critical.
 
Craig Loen, Federated ag sales rep from the Osceola location, offered these “timely” reminders:
 
Conventional Corn Options are Limited
A pre-emerge will keep the weeds from getting out of the ground. Once the crop and the weeds poke through, your herbicide options are limited, especially on grasses. “As soon as you get done planting,” said Loen, “get on [Federated’s] list or get your sprayer in the field.”
 
Have a plan B (and maybe C, too). “Corn doesn’t like friends,” and the crop will succumb to weed pressure quickly, reducing yield. And remember to scout fields 10-14 days after herbicide application for “weed escapes,” so you can assess your options to further fight weeds. Call your Federated Agronomist.
 
Traited Corn Provides More Options
Consider what weeds have pressured your corn crop in years past. With today’s traited corn hybrids, “you have some time to get corn sprayed” after planting, Loen said.
 
Be familiar with the traits you have planted, and always read and follow herbicide labels. Some herbicides can be sprayed pre and post emerge, and “most post-emerge weed control can start as soon as you can row the corn,” said Loen.
 
While traited corn provides many options for weed control, field scouting continues to be the best way to keep a crop on track. Scout your fields for weeds and diseases. Scout early and scout often. (Loen noted that “tar spot has been verified in our geography.” It can show up as early as July and as late as September.)


Remember to keep good records of what specific seed
was planted and when it was planted, for every field.
 


Apply Soybean Pre-Emerge Herbicides ASAP
Take the time to understand your soybean traits to plan your options in the best way. (Your Federated Agronomist can help.) Pre-emerge applications need to be done quickly – sometimes within 3 days of planting (depending upon the herbicide).
 
Have more than one herbicide option in your planning notebook, “in case you can’t get it sprayed before cracking and/or emergence of the crop,” said Loen.
 
The Post-Emerge Window Closes Quickly
Only 25-28 days after the pre-emerge application, it’s time to apply the post-emerge herbicide. Mark your calendar!
 
Assessing weed pressure from previous years will dictate which post-emerge herbicides will work best. Know your seed traits and hit the fields for your best shot at controlling the toughest weeds.
 
Scout fields 10-14 days after the post application to see if weeds are under control, and while you’re out there, watch for aphids, mites, and white mold. Talk to your Federated Agronomist to address any of those issues.
 

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