Improve Resistance Management with Valor® EZ Herbicide

Palmer amaranth is currently resistant to seven different modes of action. For peanut growers, that means products once counted on to control tough weeds, like Palmer amaranth, no longer provide dependable control in peanut production. “Weed resistance is getting more and more troublesome every year,” says John Pawlak, product development manager for Valent U.S.A.

The first step in minimizing potential resistance development is to rotate modes of action when possible. Valor® EZ Herbicide is a Group 14 herbicide, so including a Group 15 herbicide with residual will help prevent Group 14 resistance development.

Valor EZ can play a vital role in minimizing the potential development of weed resistance in peanut production.

Other methods of minimizing resistance development are using full labeled rates of products and rotating crops. Slashing application rates to save money can cost more in the long run with potentially decreased weed control and resistance management issues.

Rotating from peanuts to corn or cotton, where different modes of action can be used to control Palmer amaranth and other tough weeds is a good option, Pawlak says.

“The Valor EZ use rate for preemergence weed control in peanuts is three ounces per acre, and it's very important not to cut this rate,” Pawlak said. Cutting herbicides below recommended labeled rates can put undue selection pressure on that mode of action, which does not benefit peanut growers in the long run.

Ensure a Strong Start

The first four to six weeks of the growing season are extremely important to maximize yield potential and an effective residual herbicide, like Valor, can help ensure a strong start. Choosing Valor EZ for preemergence weed control reduces early-season weed competition.

Valor EZ offers up to six weeks for residual control when used at the recommended rate of three ounces per acre, allowing peanuts to get off to a very strong start, minimizing weed seed production, reducing weed pressure and aiding resistance management efforts. “It's very important to use the three-ounce rate of Valor Herbicide for control of these key weeds,” Pawlak says.

Valor EZ Herbicide effectively controls Palmer amaranth, Florida beggarweed, hairy indigo, and other small-seeded broadleaf weeds that are troublesome in peanut production.

To learn more about how crop protection products from Valent U.S.A. can provide effective weed control in peanuts, visit Valent.com.