Extend Weed Control with New Xtend Crop System
Water hemp, giant ragweed and marestail have become nightmares for farmers who have experienced weed resistance. Although it’s been a bigger problem in the South, we’re also seeing signs of weed resistance right here in the Midwest.
Fortunately, there will soon be another “tool in the toolbox” to help fight weed resistance. Pending regulatory approvals, the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System is expected to be available to U.S. farmers for 2014 planting.
The Xtend Crop System is Monsanto’s newest Genuity® soybean trait that includes tolerance to dicamba herbicide. It will be stacked with the current Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Soybean trait technology. Roundup Xtend is an enhanced dicamba and glyphosate herbicide premix that will help farmers manage weeds before planting and during the season as an over-the-top option.
Dual modes of action in Xtend will give farmers another choice for broad control of glyphosate-resistant and tough-to-control broadleaf weeds. And as the crop system’s name implies, it will extend application and planting flexibility. It also will extend the window for post-emergence applications.
We’re optimistic that Xtend will also help save glyphosate and extend the life of high-yielding Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybeans. Diversity of tactics is key to consistent weed management and high crop yields, says ISU Extension Crop Weed Specialist Mike Owen. In a blog article, Dr. Owen says no single tactic will protect the potential crop yield nor deter the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed populations.
As farmers make plans for their 2012 soybean weed control programs, Seed-2-Soil® team lead Peter Bixel recommends using FULL rates of pre-emergence herbicides. Research shows that a pre-emergence herbicide applied before soybean planting reduced late-season waterhemp density by 97 percent! Click here for more information on how you can enhance your weed management program this season.
