Weed Control Timing
Weed management in alfalfa- Postemergence options
Once alfalfa breaks dormancy and has appreciable new growth, most broadleaf herbicides can cause injury to alfalfa. When trying to determine whether to apply herbicides or not, remember in many cases the easiest and most economical solution for weed control is the first cutting.
May 20, 2010
How late can postemergence herbicide applications be made in corn?
“How late can I spray my corn?” or “How tall can my corn be when I spray?”. These are important questions to be considered, and the answer is not always obvious since delayed postemergence applications in corn have largely become a thing of the past.
June 24, 2010
Managing weeds using a stale seedbed approach
Managing weeds using stale seedbeds can reduce weed populations by stimulating the germination of seeds close to the surface so they can be managed prior to planting.
April 30, 2009
Preharvest herbicide applications in dry edible beans- Avoiding illegal residues
Preharvest herbicide applications in dry edible beans have become more popular as growers switch to direct harvesting techniques. Herbicides used prior to harvest, also known as “Harvest Aids”, are used to desiccate or dry down “green” stem and leaf tissue that can hinder dry bean harvest. The main intention of preharvest herbicide applications is to desiccate weeds; however many growers are using these herbicide applications to hurry along or even out the maturing process of dry beans.
August 25, 2011
Don't skip burndown herbicide applications this spring
Not starting with a clean field will lead to soybean yield reductions.
May 5, 2011
Postemergence herbicide applications in corn- Residual option
Studies conducted at Michigan State showed the highest yields and greatest weed control were observed where a residual herbicide was applied preemergence and followed by either glyphosate or glufosinate postemergence.
June 3, 2010
Timely POST herbicide applications will improve profits in soybean
Early season weed competition may be one of the biggest contributors to unseen yield losses in soybean. Appropriately timing postemergence herbicide applications is critical to preserving crop yields.
June 10, 2010
Time is ticking down for herbicide applications in winter wheat
There are several herbicide options available for weed control in winter wheat. However, weed control spectrums and the maximum stages of winter wheat growth when these herbicides can be applied can be very different.
April 29, 2010
Timing and good record keeping are important for sugarbeet weed control
For most of us the use of glyphosate (Roundup) in Roundup Ready sugarbeets has made weed control simpler and more consistent. However, as with any changes in production practices there is still a learning curve to using this technology.
May 14, 2009
Watch winter wheat growth prior to applying herbicides
Knowing what stage your wheat is at is critical when it comes to making decisions on what herbicide to use for weed control.
April 30, 2009
Common lambsquarters escapes in sugar beets: What are my opinions
When application timings are missed, common lambsquarters is often the number one weed escape. These escapes can reduce yield by competing for moisture and light, cause problems with topping and harvest, and produce seed that will lead to future problems.
June 12, 2008
Preharvest herbicide applications in dry edible beans- Avoiding illegal residues
Preharvest herbicide applications in dry edible beans have become more popular as growers switch to direct harvesting techniques. Herbicides used prior to harvest, also known as “Harvest Aids”, are used to desiccate or dry down “green” stem and leaf tissue that can hinder dry bean harvest. The main intention of preharvest herbicide applications is to desiccate weeds; however many growers are using these herbicide applications to hurry along or even out the maturing process of dry beans.
August 25, 2011
The clock is ticking for herbicide applications in winter wheat
Of all the crops grown in Michigan, winter wheat has typically been the crop that has not been intensively managed. However with higher wheat prices, growers are looking at more intensive management to maximize yield.
April 17, 2008
Don't wait to make burndown herbicide applications in no-till soybean
As several no-till drills start planting fields, remember the importance of a timely burndown application.
April 29, 2010
Postemergence herbicide application in corn- It's all about timing
The development of stacked trait technology and the increased interest in herbicide tolerant corn has led to an increase in postemergence herbicide applications for weed control. Postemergence programs without a residual herbicide applied at planting have their place, and can provide excellent season long weed control. However, important considerations that should be made include timing, herbicide resistance, and management strategies.
June 4, 2010
Herbicide applications, especially micro-rates, need to be timely in sugarbeets
While the timing of glyphosate (Roundup, etc.) may not be as critical for weed control as some of the strategies that we currently use i.e., micro-rates and standard splits, there is still 50% of the acres that are planted with conventional sugar beets. Timely herbicide applications over these acres are critical for adequate weed control.
May 15, 2008
Harvest aid options in soybean
Frost usually helps desiccate these weeds, however if soybeans are ready to be harvested before weeds have dried down, there are a few herbicide options that growers can use as harvest aids to help desiccate or dry down “green” stem and leaf tissue.
September 17, 2009
Delayed preemergence and early postemergence herbicide applicaitons in corn
In fields with emerged corn and no herbicide applied, growers have two primary options: to use an herbicide program typically applied before emergence; or switch to a total postemergence strategy.
May 7, 2009
Late-season glyphosate application in Roundup Ready soybean can be off label
Making one more glyphosate application in Roundup Ready soybean is tempting when weeds are poking through the soybean canopy. However, it is important to remember that there is a maximum soybean growth stage for which glyphosate can be applied to Roundup Ready (glyphosate-resistant) soybeans.
August 6, 2009
Get the most out of your glyphosate applications
There are several things that should be considered to maximize postemergence weed control with glyphosate from these applications in Roundup Ready soybean.
May 28, 2009
Weeds not controlled prior to soybean emergence can reduce yield
With the wet conditions keeping many growers out of the field, soybean planting is occurring at a slower pace and once conditions are favorable many growers may opt to plant first and apply a burndown later. However, it is extremely important that weeds that are currently in fields be controlled prior to soybean emergence.
May 14, 2009
No-till Roundup Ready soybean: What you need to know
While glyphosate continues to provide excellent control of most weeds, timely applications before planting and after soybean emergence are necessary to ensure the best growing conditions for your soybean crop. The following recommendations are based on MSU research funded by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee (MSPC).
May 7, 2009
Delayed preemergence and early postemergence herbicide applications in corn
Preemergence herbicides should be applied as soon after planting as possible because delayed application increases the risk of poor herbicide performance, especially for grass control. However, there can be challenges for herbicide application following planting, such as high winds and rainfall.
May 1, 2008
Improve profits with timely postemergence herbicide applications in soybean
Several studies have shown that delaying postemergence weed control strategies can substantially reduce crop yield. This has become more of a concern with the large number of glyphosate-resistant crop acres that rely on postemergence applications of glyphosate for weed control.
June 5, 2008
Maximizing glyphosate activity with a few simple tips
There are several things that should be considered to maximize weed control with glyphosate from these applications in Roundup Ready soybean. Following these guidelines can help reduce the risk of glyphosate failures, as well as reduce the chances of lower soybean yields due to weed competition.
May 29, 2008
Weeds not controlled prior to soybean emergence can reduce yield
Driving around the state I have noticed several no-till fields that still have carpets of winter annual and some newly emerged early summer annual weeds, like common lambsquarters and giant ragweed. With soybean planting is in full swing, it is extremely important that these weeds be controlled prior to soybean emergence.
May 15, 2008
Weed control in soybean can benefit from preemergence soil-applied herbicides
The flexibility in application timing that glyphosate offers may make it easier to control larger weeds, however the benefits of early-season weed control to protect crop yield can be lost if applications are not made in a timely manner. Additionally, untimely applications can lead to a reduction in weed control.
May 1, 2008
Improving weed control in no-till Roundup Ready soybean
No-till soybean production in Michigan relies almost exclusively on glyphosate for preplant and postemergence weed control. While glyphosate continues to provide excellent control of most weeds, timely applications before planting and after soybean emergence are necessary to ensure the best growing conditions for your soybean crop.
April 2, 2008

