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Weed management options in wheat narrowing

A weed extension specialist says the cut off window for herbicide applications in wheat is nearing as the crop advances in Michigan.

Christy Sprague with Michigan State University tells Brownfield once the crop becomes jointed there are less herbicide options.  “The wheat that got planted early in the state where’s there’s some good growth, we’re probably past that window for some of those herbicide applications, but we do have some other options particularly for broadleaf weed control.”

She says wheat management in fields that had winter kill or were under water is especially important, but farmers can reduce applications on fields with good stands.  “Wheat is a very competitive crop so if you’ve got a good jump on a lot of weed species, a lot of times you’re not going to see much of a yield difference.  Where that benefit comes in is potentially if you’ve got some holes in that field.”

Sprague says it’s important for farmers to manage aggressive winter annual weed growth as soon as possible which can be difficult with wet soil conditions and more herbicide-resistant weed species.

AUDIO: Interview with Christy Sprague