A List Of Spring Burn-Off Options

Farmers know it and the research shows it — timely removal of competing weeds has a profound effect on crop competitiveness and yield potential. We’ve all likely experienced when spring burn-off is less than acceptable, either because of uncooperative weather or poor control that leaves more advanced weeds to choke out the crop. To add insult to injury, cleaning up weeds in-crop after a poor (or missed) spring burn-off usually means a more costly application and, often, compromised yield potential.

In the face of abundant soil moisture conditions for many of us, spring logistics pose a challenge. Depending on how fields were managed last year and last fall, you could be looking at higher than average weed populations or more advanced weed growth. Wet years can also encourage different species to pop up. Spring burn-off this year may need some extra oomph to ensure a good kill.

Spring burn-off decisions used to be limited to which glyphosate brand at what rate. Recently, the burn-off product list has expanded dramatically with new chemistries, as well as existing chemistries being registered as a pre-pack with glyphosate under a new name. All these options can add up to confusion, with many farmers asking when they simply need to bump their glyphosate rate or when they need a tank-mix partner.

UP THE RATES OR CHANGE THE MIX?

What are the biggest problems you’re facing this spring? Are you looking mostly at spring annuals, winter annuals, perennial weeds or is volunteer glyphosate tolerant canola present? It is important to know which weeds on which fields will be your biggest challenge.

A high rate of glyphosate (0.5 l/ac. or more) is likely the most economical choice if the weather is right and the weeds present are susceptible. Glyphosate, a Group 9 chemical, also prevents the over use of certain chemical groups on your field.

On the flip side, adding in another mode of action at burn-off will help delay glyphosate resistance in

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PRODUCT

PRIOR TO CROP

CHEMICAL GROUP

RESIDUAL

KEY WEEDS

ADVANTAGES

WATCH OUT

FORMULATION

2011 SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE

Heat

Cleanstart

PrePass Wheat Barley Oats

Field Peas Lentils

Wheat Barley Oats

Field Peas Lentils Canola Flax

Wheat Barley Oats

Yes Up to 2 weeks on broadleaf weeds Volunteer Canola * Narrow-leaved Hawk’s Beard

Dandelion (spring) Cleavers

Volunteer Canola * Kochia

Dandelion (spring) Winter Annuals

Dandelion (spring) Wild Buckwheat

Narrow-leaved Hawk’s Beard

Cleavers

Volunteer Canola * Very fast visual Burndown

Can be used prior to any major crop. Fast burndown of broadleaf weeds.

Residual control on flushing broadleaf weeds, such as volunteer canola. Coverage is critical, as it is a contact herbicide. Recommend

10 gal/ac water volume

Need to obtain good coverage. Recommend

10 gal/ac water volume

Be aware of

chemical rotations. Avoid overuse of Group 2 products Need to add Glyphosate

Prepackaged with Glyphosate

Prepackaged with Glyphosate $3.91/ac.

$7.10/ac.

$5.99/ac.