May 2, 2017 | Kris Cherewyk
Pre-Seed Burndown Tips
Hello everyone. After all the rain and the snow having delayed planting operations we are finally making our way towards the beginning of the season. Some producers have already started and are taking advantage of the early season moisture. Unfortunately, even though the crop is utilizing the early moisture and nutrients, so are the weeds. Whether it’s due to persistent problems over the years or the inability to do a post-harvest herbicide application due to adverse conditions, early emerging weeds rob the crop of the supplies it needs to get the critical early start it needs. A pre-seed herbicide application is an important management tool in minimum or zero-till systems to combat weed pressure prior to planting.
Importance of Herbicide Choice
Choosing a herbicide to use depends on various factors, one of which is herbicide grouping. The issue of herbicide resistance in western Canada has moved to the forefront within the last number of years and adding another application for pre-seed can contribute to this if not done correctly. Glyphosate has been the standard in pre-seed applications; it is recommended that another mode of action be added in order to help present resistance from developing. In addition, the added chemistry should be of a different group than herbicides that have been used in the last number of years as well as which ones are intended for use in-crop. If a field has seen resistance issues with certain weeds it will be necessary to use a different group altogether.
Re-Cropping
The crop to be seeded both this year and next is also important. Some herbicides have long-lasting residual properties that, in addition to eliminating weeds this year, may cause adverse effects to the crop planted the following year. Be sure to check the recommendations from the manufacturer and the crop protection guide as to restrictions and re-cropping intervals.
Saskatchewan 2017 Guide to Crop Protection: