Practices

Controlling Weeds From Planting to Canopy

PRACTICES

Build a season-long weed control program in soybeans

Soybean field

Between soybean planting and canopy closure, controlling yield-limiting weeds and managing resistance can be challenging. A holistic weed management program — including a premium preemergence herbicide followed by a postemergence application — can make the difference.

Begin before emergence

Start the season strong by selecting a preemergence herbicide tailored to your field conditions, including weed spectrum, pressure and soil characteristics. Options such as Fierce® EZ Herbicide, Fierce® XLT Herbicide and Fierce® MTZ Herbicide provide strong residual control.

“The easiest weed to control is the weed that doesn’t emerge,” says Devonne Marshall, regional account manager at Valent U.S.A. “Starting with a premium preemergence herbicide that offers multiple effective modes of action is key.”

For growers facing heavy pressure from tough weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, an additional mode of action — like that found in Fierce MTZ — can improve control.

“As weed pressure increases, especially with difficult species, Fierce MTZ really shines,” says Joe Short, asset strategy team manager for Valent. “Adding that third mode of action increases your overall probability of control.”

With six to eight weeks of residual control from a strong preemergence application, growers can give soybeans the best possible start.

Control until canopy

Following a preemergence application, extending residual control is critical to keep fields clean until canopy closure. Perpetuo® Herbicide offers flexible, long-lasting residual control across multiple trait platforms.

“Using the Fierce brand upfront and following with Perpetuo helps extend Group 15 chemistry and provides rotational flexibility,” Marshall says. “It delivers extended residual control against tough-to-manage weeds.”

Bridging the gap between preemergence and postemergence treatments is essential for season-long weed control and resistance management.

To learn more about Fierce herbicides and Perpetuo herbicide, or to build your program, contact a Valent sales representative.

Always read and follow label instructions.