Tips offered for wheat weed management

Recent rains have encouraged broadleaf weed growth in growing wheat fields. Kochia, for the most part, is the weed in question, although other weeds may also be a factor interfering with this year’s harvest activities. Keep in mind that there are only a small number of pre-harvest aids for controlling weeds in wheat prior to harvest. 

Also, be aware of pre-harvest intervals before harvesting and feed and grazing intervals following wheat harvest. Pre-harvest interval is the time after an herbicide application is applied before wheat harvest can legally begin. Always follow pesticide label rules, as “the label is the law.” 

In addition, be sure wheat is at least in the hard dough stage before controlling weeds. Hard dough stage occurs when wheat kernels are formed, soft, but not juicy. Physiologic maturity occurs when wheat is approximately 30% moisture, whereas wheat in hard dough stage will be higher than 30% moisture. 

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.