“We are going to run out of money before we run out of pigweed” one veteran West Tennessee weed manager stated last week. That really sums up where we are now in many fields. These are fields where frequent rain has made timely POST applications very hard to get done or in fields where timely applications were made but herbicide resistance limited the control. Fortunately, that does not describe every field as many are relatively clean.  Overall this year though, it is clear we will have to live with Palmer amaranth in more fields than we would like. Continue reading →

Most soybeans in Tennessee are now planted in 15 to 7.5” rows.  This can help on weed control as the soil is shaded more quickly.  Shaded soil will reduce weed seed germination rates. A good PRE-applied herbicide coupled with narrow rows and effective POST applied options is a very sound weed management strategy.

However, in fields where Palmer amaranth is resistant to POST over-the-top herbicides, planting in wide rows and using a cultivator or hooded herbicide application can be an effective weed management option. Continue reading →