Questions with Sam Drahn

How should growers approach their herbicide selection?

Any successful herbicide program starts with identifying the most problematic weeds at the time of year, which crop(s) are to be treated and selecting an herbicide which is both safe and effective.

What are the keys to controlling weeds without increasing resistance?

Rotation of herbicides between different herbicide group numbers is key to minimizing resistance. Switching between products in different herbicide groups helps ensure herbicides remain effective tools for the grower.

How can growers establish a rotational strategy for weed control?

Growers should become familiar with the different herbicide options that exist for the different crops they are growing. There are a lot of good pre-emergent herbicides on the market. Switching between products in different herbicide groups, at different times of the year helps target specific weeds and limits repeated use of an individual class of chemicals which creates tolerance.

How are granular pre-emergent herbicides products typically applied, and how often?

Granular pre-emergent herbicides are applied in many different ways. The most common application techniques include spreaders and some more mechanized systems. The key is getting the product to the soil level before the weed seeds germinate. Longevity varies by product, weather and climatic conditions. I recommend treating crops every 2-3 months with most granular pre-emergent herbicides. This varies greatly on location, time of year and the crop(s) being grown.

Courtesy of OHP

What are the advantages of using a product delivered on the Verge granule?

Biathlon, Fortress and Fuerte are all produced on the Verge granule. The advantages of the Verge granule include:

• Minimal dust
• Free flowing
• Round shaped
• Clean formulation
• Low odor

Do you have a solution for glyphosate-free operations? How does it work?

Glyphosate is a very good post emergent herbicide. Operations who choose not to use glyphosate have many other post emergent options to consider. Weed species, stage of growth to be controlled, area to be treated, desired speed of burn, and many other factors should be considered when deciding the best options for controlling weeds with post emergent products. OHP’s Fireworxx is an OMRI listed blend of fatty acids which provides exceptional post emergent, contact control of many different types of weeds. Fireworxx produces extremely fast results and is labeled for nursery and greenhouse use. Hand weeding and other mechanical types of systems are also part of any successful weed management program.

For more: www.ohp.com