The yield thieves are lurking

Using preemergent herbicides with residual activity to plan for a successful growing season

Right now, there are yield thieves lurking in unplanted fields. More commonly known as resistant weeds, these thieves can appear in previously resistance-free fields by field-to-field movement of a weed’s seeds.

 

The International Survey of Herbicide-Resistant Weeds found 160 unique resistant weeds in the United States. This includes 17 species of glyphosate-resistant weeds, which have been reported in 38 states. The spread of these weeds is threatening to have a negative effect on overall yields.

 

To start the season off on the right foot, a preemergent herbicide with residual activity can help take the would-be yield thieves out of the equation. Plus, a long-lasting residual herbicide can be a great tool for the unpredictability of Mother Nature. 

 

Using a herbicide program with layered residuals helps keep fields clean until it’s time for the postemergence application. Additionally, making sure a herbicide has broad-spectrum control against broadleaf weeds and grasses is essential to combating resistant weeds early in the season. A herbicide such as Zidua® PRO herbicide delivers long-lasting, broad-spectrum residual control. Keeping those pesky weeds at bay, it works quickly with no planting restrictions on most soils.

 

Weather in the spring can be temperamental, which can make it challenging for crops to get off to a strong start. The weather can also make it difficult for growers to get into the field. In instances where weather keeps equipment from working in the fields, a burndown herbicide with a long-lasting residual can set the stage for season-long weed control. Rapid-acting herbicides, such as Verdict® herbicide, can help growers stay on top of weather conditions, giving seeds a chance to get started.

 

There are many aspects of farming that are simply out of a grower’s control, but clean fields can be controlled with the right tools. From contact to canopy, preemergent herbicide applications can give growers a strong foundation at the start of the season. For more information about the benefits of adding Zidua PRO or Verdict to your preemergent herbicide crop protection plan this season, contact your local BASF representative.

 

Always read and follow label directions.

 

Verdict and Zidua are registered trademarks of BASF.

 

About BASF’s Crop Protection division

 

With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. BASF’s Crop Protection division works with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others to help make this possible. With their cooperation, BASF is able to sustain an active R&D pipeline, an innovative portfolio of products and services, and teams of experts in the lab and in the field to support customers in making their businesses succeed. In 2016, BASF’s Crop Protection division generated sales of €5.6 billion. For more information, please visit us at www.agriculture.basf.com or on any of our social media channels.

 

About BASF

 

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 17,500 employees in North America, and had sales of $16.2 billion in 2016. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

 

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.