Tips for Finalizing Weed Management Programs in 2022: NAFB interview with Atticus Business Unit Lead, Eric Larson
April 7, 2022
Transcript:
NAFB: In a world fraught with unrest, whether military conflict or pandemic, the dawn of planting season might feel comforting, even in the face of annual planting challenges like weather, equipment hiccups and management decisions like weed control. Eric Larson, Atticus Business Unit Lead, Central U.S., offers some tips for growers finalizing or shifting their weed management plans as planting gets underway across areas of the country. He says there are a number of factors to consider, and the first is starting clean and staying clean….
Eric Larson: Use a pre-emergence residual herbicide that can last until you need to apply your post-emergence program. Know your main weed challenges, those that are the biggest yield robbers in your field. We recommend choosing a herbicide with multiple modes of action for those specific weeds; if a herbicide has three modes of action, always make sure at least two of those modes of action are effective against each target weed. Application windows often present weather challenges, and if weather prevents a pre-emergence herbicide application, be sure your herbicide window of application extends to your early post-emergence program.
Lean on and consult with your retailer and crop adviser because they are most familiar with your field history and the local issues in that geography and can help you match your weed challenges to effective herbicides while preserving your bottom line. They can discuss with you the many branded-generic herbicides like those from Atticus that have the same active ingredients as branded products but at a lower cost.
NAFB: If growers are running into herbicide supply issues, Larson offers what their top priorities should be when they’re looking at options available in their back-up plan…
EL: Well, it’s very important to focus on options that deliver effective residual control for weeds that are the most yield-robbing, and stopping these high-priority weeds early can give you a chance to still produce a high-yielding crop while finding other tools to manage your other weed issues. Also, again, work closely with your retailer and crop adviser to find the best solution. Everyone’s situation is unique so it’s best to work with your local team that understands your fields, the local area and available options. Atticus is a demand-driven manufacturer, and we focus on delivering preferred branded-generic products, but we’re also prepared with alternatives. Your retailer is going to be able to help out with this
NAFB: For growers who see breaks in weed control after crop emergence, Larson offers these tips…
EL: First, evaluate your application records, find out did weather play a role, was a nozzle plugged up, were there tank mixing issues, what size were the weeds, etc. Then assess the potential for resistance out in your field. Send a sample to your extension agent and then work with your retailer and crop adviser to find a solution. And lastly, timing is extremely critical, time that rescue application to the right weed height. Weeds are generally easiest to control when they are small, typically under four inches.
NAFB: He adds that Atticus is ready to help retailers and growers meet their weed management program needs…
EL: Atticus is a partner to retail distribution. We want to help equip retailers so that they can best support the local grower, with a broad product portfolio that works within agronomically sound crop management programs and at an affordable price.