By Scout Nelson
Herbicide pre-mixtures provide broad weed control benefits, reduced handling, and cost savings. However, knowing the concentration of each active ingredient is crucial for effective weed management, especially against resistant weeds like kochia.
Fluroxypyr, found in 31 herbicide pre-mixtures for hard red spring wheat in North Dakota, is widely used for kochia control. However, fluroxypyr applied alone at 0.12 pounds active ingredient per acre only controls about 70% of kochia due to increasing resistance. Application timing and low rates also contribute to reduced effectiveness.
Dicamba-resistant kochia, first reported in 1995, led to increased fluroxypyr use. However, fluroxypyr-resistant kochia emerged in 2012, making proper application rates even more critical. Many pre-mixtures fail to include the recommended 0.14 pounds active ingredient per acre necessary for controlling resistant kochia.
Huskie FX, a common pre-mixture with fluroxypyr, bromoxynil, and pyrasulfotole, only provides 0.08 pounds active ingredient per acre at maximum application rates—less than the recommended amount. To reach effective levels, additional Starane Ultra must be used.
Tolvera, a newer herbicide for hard red spring wheat, combines bromoxynil and tolpyralate. For optimal kochia control, it should be applied at 14.7 fluid ounces per acre with Starane Ultra at 0.4 points per acre.
Understanding active ingredient concentrations in herbicide pre-mixtures is essential for effective weed control, especially against resistant kochia. Proper application rates help maximize effectiveness and reduce weed resistance challenges.
Photo Credits:gettyimages-fertnig
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Wheat, General