News

Be on the lookout for waterhemp

An extension crops educator encourages farmers to be on the lookout for waterhemp.

Dave Nicolai with the University of Minnesota says the weed keeps coming throughout the growing season.

“That’s why it’s very critical to know that you have it. Maybe you have to layer (the herbicides) in, make two applications of a preemergence so you get season-long control. It’s very competitive, obviously we have glyphosate resistance in the vast majority of the population.”

He tells Brownfield timing matters when managing waterhemp.

“If you’re using Glufosinate for example, you need to be able to be very timely because if you mistime it you’re going to lose control. So that’s why early postemergence, that pop can height (around) 4 to 6 inches, you have to be on it by that time or before then for really good control.”

Nicolai says recent moisture is helping activate residual herbicides for better weed control.