A recent update to the Liberty label will allow growers to tackle weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp at a higher rate. The ability to apply the herbicide to LibertyLink crops at a higher rate in 2018 will also help improve control of other driver weeds like kochia, ragweed, and marestail.
“As weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp get more aggressive, growers must too,” said David Tanner, product manager at Bayer. “It’s absolutely critical to reduce seed production to stop further spread of driver weeds. That’s why we’ve increased our recommended application rates. We want to help corn and soybean growers better control resistant weeds.”
Driver weeds can have implications on yield and in long-term weed control plans. For example, according to Take Action, season-long competition by Palmer amaranth at 2.5 plants per foot of row can reduce soybean yields by as much as 79 percent. A single female Palmer amaranth or waterhemp plant can each produce hundreds of thousands of seeds, allowing them to spread rapidly in short periods of time.
The following table outlines the 2018 recommended herbicide application rates for each LibertyLink crop:
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NEW Liberty application rates for 2018 |
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|
Crop |
NEW 2018 Use Rate (fl oz/A) |
NEW 2018 Max Per Year (fl oz/A) |
|
Soybean |
32 – 43 |
87 |
|
Field Corn |
22 – 32 |
87 |
|
Sweet Corn |
22 |
44 |
A successful herbicide program utilizing Liberty should include a comprehensive program of pre-plant options, pre-emergence residual herbicides, and Liberty applications in order to be fully effective. This comprehensive program provides excellent weed control while also reducing the risk or resistance and protecting the long-term sustainability of the Liberty technology. Tanner notes that there is such confidence in Liberty that it comes backed by the Liberty Weed Control Guarantee when used as part of a complete, season long weed control program. To qualify, growers must talk to their retailer and follow local S.T.O.P. Weeds with Liberty guidelines, including:
- Start clean and stay clean: Control weeds prior to planting with a burndown herbicide and continue controlling escapes throughout the season.
- Target weeds at less than three inches tall: Liberty is a contact herbicide and should be applied on less than three-inch weeds that are emerged at time of spraying. Liberty does not offer residual control and therefore will not control weeds that have not emerged.
- Optimize coverage: Growers should use appropriate rates, a minimum of 15 gallons of water and medium to coarse droplet size. Local Bayer representatives can provide recommendations.
- Pair with residuals: Growers must apply labeled rates of pre-residual herbicide with two effective modes of action. Local Bayer representatives can provide local recommendations.
In addition, an adjuvant of ammonium sulfate (AMS) should be used at a rate of 1.5 lb./A to 3.0 lb./A
“We’re committed to meeting the ever-changing demands of controlling driver weeds and maintaining customer satisfaction,” Tanner said. “We feel these increased rates are one step towards that goal, both for growers today and for growers in the future.”
