Scout now for winter annuals in winter wheat

I got a news release today from Ducks Unlimited with weed control tips for winter wheat. The release actually came from a former Manitoba Co-operator colleague of mine, Karli Flinta-Murphy (now Karli Reimer.) Hi Karli.

        Winter wheat often means a lower herbicide bill for you because the crop gets off to an early start and provides strong competition to weeds. But the crop does face competition from some early-growing winter annuals.

“Weeds such as narrow-leaved hawks beard, stinkweed, flixweed and shepherd’s-purse can compete with the crop for resources and reduce yield,” says Ken Gross, agrologist with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). He recommends you scout now. “Getting out into the field today and surveying the crop is essential to help your winter wheat achieve its highest yield."

Tips for herbicide selection and timing 

Ducks Unlimited provides these pointers:

—Identify the problem weeds, and then select an appropriate product to catch weeds in that spectrum. You may find a new product is better suited that herbicides you've used in the past

—Try to squeeze the spray in now, even though you're busy with many other jobs. "Delaying an in-crop herbicide application on your winter wheat until after seeding often results in poor weed control," the DUC release says.  

—Aim to spray when the winter annual weeds are still small, but actively growing, and spray within the proper winter wheat growth stage for the herbicide used.

—Crop injury can result if the herbicide application is followed by a frost. Colder temperatures may interfere with the plant’s ability to metabolize the herbicide’s active ingredients. Applications following a frost should be postponed for two to three days depending on the severity of the frost, or until the weeds are actively growing again. 

—Ensure that any burn-off chemicals have been well rinsed from the sprayer tank, to prevent crop damage.