You’ll Pay for a Plan That Fails
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Lonoke County, Arkansas, co-op consultant Jason Fortner believes the most expensive treatment a grower can apply is the one that doesn’t work. Because of this, he stays current with local trends while walking each field to identify a crop’s key competitors.
For a successful crop season, he encourages growers to reach out to their consultants early and continue to communicate throughout the season. Fortner also recommends consultants talk with their manufacturer reps.
“My Corteva Agriscience reps have helped make my job easier,” he says. “They are exposed to many different situations while working with other consultants. If I come across an issue that I haven’t had a lot of experience with, they are a knowledgeable resource and networking tool.”
CLEAN FIELDS MINIMIZE EXTRA COSTS
Fortner says propanil resistance has caused weed control programs to shift to RebelEX® herbicide. RebelEX is a broad-spectrum herbicide that provides two different modes of action than they had been previously using, he says. Last year, Fortner found success by switching a local grower’s program to better focus on high-anxiety weeds.
“RebelEX controlled barnyardgrass and sprangletop populations left uncontrolled by a propanil-based system,” Fortner says. “The residual control lasted, saving on additional applications cost. The grower was happy with the results, and we will continue to use RebelEX.”
AWAITING NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Herbicide-resistant barnyardgrass and pigweed are troublesome pests for Fortner’s growers.
“Pigweed has been a consistent challenge and is increasingly difficult to control, especially on rice levees. It is important to keep levees clean to enable rice to establish a good stand,” Fortner says. “A Grandstand herbicide combination has become our go-to to control pigweed.”
FUTURE RICE HERBICIDE
To battle resistance, Fortner recommends using several modes of action and killing weeds early to keep fields clean. He is looking forward to Loyant® herbicide hitting the market.
“We’re all waiting for the release of Loyant herbicide,” Fortner says. “Today, when you walk into a field, you wish you had Loyant, especially for barnyardgrass and sedge control.”