Basic Herbicide Protection for Corn

At the early stages of growth, corn develops quite slowly. Germination and subsequent development depend on a combination of many factors: temperature, humidity, hybrid characteristics, and so on. The competition from weeds during this time is a significant obstacle to forming a high level of future yield. To avoid risks, specialists from Ukravit recommend implementing a set of agronomic measures and definitely using soil herbicides.

This is reported by AgroReview

“Corn is a weak competitor against weeds during the initial stages of organogenesis, – notes Oleksandr Myhlovets, head of the agronomy department at Ukravit. – During this period it develops quite slowly compared to weeds, especially at lower air temperatures, so in the absence of control, they “take over” the space designated for it, utilizing moisture and consuming nutrients. They can cause the most damage in the phase up to 5 leaves, as this is when the generative organs of the crop are forming. Moreover, weeds indirectly contribute to the infection of crops by diseases and damage by pests, for which they serve as a reservoir. Therefore, from the emergence of seedlings until corn is able to shade the rows, it is vital to eliminate competitors in the form of weed vegetation – otherwise, the farmer risks losing a certain percentage of the future harvest.”

According to the specialist, weed control should begin long before planting. This includes adhering to crop rotation, herbicidal “cleaning” with total action products in the autumn against perennial species, primary soil cultivation, and the use of basic herbicides. To control annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds, he recommends choosing the soil herbicide Hortus (acetochlor, 900 g/l).  

The active ingredient of the herbicide belongs to the inhibitors of long-chain fatty acids. Since it does not move through the plant, the product is best applied before the emergence of seedlings. The main site of absorption and action in grassy weeds is the sprouts, while in broadleaf weeds, it is the roots. The active ingredient is absorbed from the upper layer of the soil by young sprouts and roots, causing the death of weeds and preventing their emergence. 

Hortus reliably and durably controls chicken millet, various species of foxtail, sundew, clover, oats, amaranth, ragweed, white goosefoot, and other common weeds. If extended control is needed, it can be combined with herbicides Selefit, Stealth, Ternat in corn crops, as well as sunflower and soybean.

To determine the application rate, Oleksandr emphasizes the importance of considering the humus content in the soil, its mechanical composition (on light soils, the rates are minimal; on heavy soils, they should be increased), as well as the forecasted current weed infestation. The soil should be sufficiently moist and crumbly, as large clumps increase the absorption area and reduce the effectiveness of action. In case of moisture deficiency, it is advisable to incorporate the product into the soil at a shallow depth.