Overcome Tough-to-Control Weeds in Your Soybeans with the Right Weed Control System
The latest weed control approaches deliver effective control of herbicide-tolerant weeds and grasses with the flexibility today’s farms require.
Weeds have plagued farmers since the first crop seed was planted. This seemingly ended in 1996 with the advent of a single-mode-of-action weed control program. However, in an unintended consequence that followed, weeds developed tolerance to glyphosate. After only a decade, farmers were fighting weeds that were tougher to control than before.
Fortunately, new technologies to overcome herbicide-tolerant weed challenges have been developed. Three recently introduced weed control systems are now available:
- Roundup Ready Xtend® crop system
- Enlist™ weed control system
- LibertyLink® G27™ soybeans
Each system allows over-the-top application of labeled herbicides to manage hard-to-control weeds without injuring the crop. Where tough-to-control, herbicide-tolerant weeds are not a problem, conventional soybean varieties are available, as well.
Breaking it down by trait
Enlist E3 soybeans
Enlist E3™ soybeans provide tolerance to a combination of three herbicides: 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate. Farmers who plant Enlist E3 soybeans can apply Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides over the top of soybeans for broad-spectrum weed control. Enlist herbicides also can be applied pre-emergence and in burndown – with no plantback restriction for Enlist crops.
Enlist Duo combines 2,4-D choline and glyphosate. Enlist One contains 2,4-D choline, which can be tank-mixed with Liberty® herbicide. Enlist herbicides control resistant and hard-to-control broadleaf weeds, such as Palmer amaranth, waterhemp and giant ragweed. Enlist E3 soybeans provide the flexibility to employ multiple modes of action. Doing so with a program approach helps control weeds in the current growing season while limiting the ability for herbicide-resistant weeds to develop.
- Learn more about the Enlist weed control system. (https://www.enlist.com/content/dam/hdas/enlist/pdfs/DAAG8NLST083_Enlist_PUG_2019_r8_iPad.pdf)
LibertyLink Trait
The LibertyLink system combines the LibertyLink trait with the efficacy of Liberty herbicide for proven yield performance and superior weed control with no known resistance. It delivers 98 percent control of a broad spectrum of grasses and broadleaf weeds, including Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, marestail and kochia. The system offers flexible application and few restrictions.
The LibertyLink GT27 system delivers top genetics with three sites of herbicide action for broad-spectrum weed control. It delivers high yield potential, and LibertyLink GT27 soybeans are the first and only soybean technology with tolerance to both Liberty® herbicide and glyphosate herbicides. It also enables the use of a new HPPD MOA herbicide, pending EPA approval.* Available for 20 years, Liberty herbicide continues to be an effective option to control troublesome broadleaf weeds. Plus, tank mixing glyphosate with Liberty herbicide improves control of difficult weeds.
- Read more about soybeans with the LibertyLink trait. (https://industries.basf.com/assets/north-america/us/en/Agriculture/Crop%20Protection/BCS/TraitAndTechnologyManual.pdf)
*LibertyLink GT27 is not tolerant to all HPPD herbicides. HPPD herbicides currently on the market are prohibited for use with LibertyLink GT27 herbicides and may result in significant crop injury.
Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans
Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans provide tolerance to dicamba and glyphosate herbicides while delivering high yield. It is the only soybean weed control technology that provides resistance to this herbicide combination. If you plant Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, you must use approved herbicides, such as XtendiMax® with VaporGrip® technology or DuPont™ FeXapan® with VaporGrip® technology. These herbicide formulations are labeled for control of more than 350 weeds, including Palmer amaranth, waterhemp and marestail. XtendiMax herbicide with VaporGrip technology is a restricted-use pesticide and requires professional application.
- Visit the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend crop system website (https://www.roundupreadyxtend.com/products/Pages/roundup-ready-xtend-soybeans.aspx) to learn more.
Making your soybean seed selection
In addition to selecting the right varieties and herbicides for your farm, keep these best management practices in mind.
- Choose the right genetics.Select genetics that are proven to perform well in your soil type, growing conditions and maturity range. Choose varieties well-adapted to the disease and pest pressure common in your area.
- Consider which herbicide system offers the control to best fit your farm. Which weeds cause the most problems on your farm? Examine field history and crop rotation to help make this decision. Our agronomists can help you sift through this information and make the optimal soybean selection for your fields.
- Check with neighbors. Talk with your neighbors to find out what herbicide programs they are using. Work with them to develop a plan that will help avoid unintended crop damage on your farm and theirs.
- Mix it up. To protect the efficacy of today’s herbicides and reduce the potential for development of even more resistant weeds, develop a program approach to your weed control program and rotate products with multiple modes of actions. Your Southern States agronomist will work with you to develop a sound weed control plan that fits your farm and production system.
- Consider application methods and condition requirements. Some herbicides may require professional application. Whether you or a professional applicator do the work, always follow safety precautions, including checking for temperature inversions, wind direction and proper cleanout procedures.
Always read and follow product labels and review any application timing restrictions for herbicides mentioned in this article.