Early planting vital to increasing soybean grower returns

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadian soybean growers are poised to have a profitable year in 2012. Strong commodity prices combined with new international trade investments from the Government of Canada are predicted to boost demand for Canadian soybeans this year.

An early start in a clean field will be vital to meeting that demand and increase profitability, advises Rob Miller, a Field Biologist with BASF Canada Inc. (BASF). He recommends growers manage emerged weeds to start planting early in order to maximize yield potential.

"With warmer temperatures this winter, weeds are expected to be much larger come spring. A pre-plant burndown will clean up those fields and help growers get their beans planted much earlier," says Miller.

To reduce yield losses from weed competition, Miller suggests soybean growers consider a two-pass herbicide system this year, starting with ERAGON^® for a pre-plant burndown followed by a post-emergent application of ASSIGNMENT^® with residual activity for season-long control.

"Using ERAGON dramatically improves glyphosate control in a pre-plant burndown for faster and more complete control of tough broadleaf weeds," he says. "By adding a post-emergent residual herbicide, growers will also tackle weeds during the critical development stage of the plant. This will maximize yield potential and save an extra application later in the season."

Miller says the two-pass system of ERAGON followed by ASSIGNMENT also provides resistance management by incorporating three modes of action in a system that historically has seen one mode of action used with glyphosate, which now has several known cases of resistance in Ontario.

"A little extra planning early in the season can make a big difference at harvest," he says.

To learn more about maximizing soybean acres, visit www.AgSolutions.ca.

About the BASF Crop Protection division
With sales of €4.0 billion in 2010, BASF's Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF's Crop Protection division is to be the world's leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/basfagro.

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ERAGON and ASSIGNMENT are trade-marks of BASF SE, used with permission by BASF Canada Inc.

© 2012 BASF Canada Inc

Andrew Elgersma
BASF Canada Inc.
[phone]
[email protected]

Natalie Little
ON Communication Inc.
[phone] x 236
[email protected]