Early season weed management has benefit on corn yield

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Many researchers point to a correlation between effective weed control and higher yield in corn. But according to BASF Canada Inc. (BASF), timing is an important factor when choosing a weed management strategy for maximum yield benefits.

"Managing weeds early is essential for higher yield," says Trevor Kraus, Technical Development Specialist - Eastern Canada, at BASF Canada. "When weeds and crops emerge together, corn plants try to grow quickly to reach a taller height than the weed, taking energy away from root development."

Kraus points out that ongoing management through the initial stages of plant growth is critical to yield success. "It's not just about planting into weed-free fields," he says. "Early corn plants are at risk when there is weed competition right up until about the 6-leaf stage."

Research has shown using a pre-emerge residual herbicide is particularly important for weed control. In 2010, the University of Guelph at Ridgetown conducted a total of 24 field experiments to determine the impact of late-emerging weeds on GT corn yield. Corn yield was increased the longer it remained weed-free, with corn kept weed-free to the 2-leaf stage reporting 189 bu/ac; weed-free to the 4-leaf stage corn reporting 202 bu/ac; and weed-free to  the 6-leaf stage corn reporting 213 bu/ac.

Kraus recommends growers implement a two-pass system to manage early weeds, starting with a pre-emerge application of INTEGRITY^® herbicide to manage such tough weeds as velvetleaf, cocklebur and yellow nutsedge. With a wide application window and residual control, growers should consider applying INTEGRITY even before corn is planted.

An application of MARKSMAN^® tank mixed with glyphosate post-emerge will keep the weeds in check the rest of the season. BASF data saw a 17 bushel increase per acre when using these herbicides together in a two-pass system compared to using only glyphosate in a post-emerge program.

Kraus also identifies this two-pass program as a way to manage glyphosate-resistant weeds, such as Canada fleabane and giant ragweed. He recommends GT corn growers always use another mode of action herbicide to prevent further resistance.

"The perennial and residual control from this combination of herbicides gives corn a fighting chance against tough and resistant weeds. And that is a key way to increase yield," he says.

INTEGRITY and MARKSMAN are registered for use in Eastern Canada for field corn. To learn more about effective two-pass weed management strategies for corn, 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.

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

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