Article by Anderson Fenton
Crop Sales Specialist
AGRIS Co-operative - Thamesville
The Benefits of Fall Weed Management
Reflecting on the growing season, many farmers faced heavy weed pressure and adjustments to herbicide programs. Now, as harvest progresses across Southwestern Ontario, it's an ideal time to consider fall weed management strategies for your fields.
Effective Fall Herbicide Strategies for Wheat
With wheat planting underway, growers should prioritize a herbicide plan tailored to their operation and field conditions. Early-emerging weeds can cause significant yield loss, so consider a pre-plant burndown in fields with existing weed pressure. This allows for cleaner fields before wheat emerges and reduces spring weed pressure. If weeds emerge with or after wheat planting, options become more limited. For post-emergent control, Infinity FX is highly effective on broadleaf weeds like fleabane, and tank-mixing with Varro can improve control of certain grasses and other broadleaf species, making spring weed management easier.
Benefits of a Fall Burndown
After harvest, many weeds continue to seed and spread, establishing themselves for the following spring. A fall burndown application prevents these weeds from overwintering and germinating, greatly improving weed control come spring. Targeting tough perennials and winter annuals like waterhemp, fleabane, and pigweed in the fall can help disrupt their root systems by moving herbicides into their storage processes. This approach leads to better long-term control and reduces weed seed density in the field.
Tailoring Your Weed Management Plan
Identify fields with historically high weed pressure and specific weed challenges, then work with your AGRIS Crop Specialist to develop a fall management plan tailored to your operation. Fall weed management not only supports a cleaner field in spring but also strengthens your herbicide program and improves your overall yield potential.
Weed Management
For more information and assistance with your weed management strategy, contact your local AGRIS Crop Specialist today.
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