The Pulse School on RealAgriculture.com, brought to you by BASF, features discussions on herbicide staging with Dan Packer, a senior brand manager at BASF. In a field of peas, it is crucial to count nodes for correct herbicide application timing, with a window of one to six nodes for most pulse herbicides. Frost can impact growth but peas are resilient. In a lentil field, the Clearfield trait allows for wider application windows up to the ninth node for group 2 herbicides. Lentils are less competitive, requiring pre-crop management for effective weed control. Grass escapes can be addressed with graminicides up to flowering, while broadleaf options are limited past the ninth node stage.
Welcome to another informative episode of Pulse School brought to you by BASF. Today, we’re diving into the world of herbicide staging with Dan Packer, a senior brand manager with herbicides at BASF. We’ll be exploring the importance of proper herbicide application timing in both pea and lentil fields.
Peas:
When it comes to peas, proper staging is crucial for effective herbicide application. Peas can range in height from two to ten inches, making it essential to count the nodes above ground to determine the ideal time for spraying. Most pulse herbicides need to be applied when the plant has one to six nodes. Frost can impact growth and staging, but peas are resilient and can regrow from scale nodes, with new shoots emerging. It’s important to wait for herbicides to work before considering a second application to avoid crop injury. Timing is key, as herbicide application should be done before flowering to ensure crop safety.
Lentils:
In clearfield lentil fields, the dynamics are slightly different. Lentils have a traded tolerance to group 2 chemistries like Odyssey and Solo, allowing for a wider window of application. The ideal window for herbicide application ranges up to the ninth node in lentils. Lentils are less competitive against weeds compared to peas, so proper weed management strategies prior to in-crop applications are essential. Limited to only two options for in-crop herbicides, it’s crucial to utilize pre or post-harvest applications and pre-seed treatments for effective weed control in lentils.
Key Takeaways:
– Proper staging is crucial for effective herbicide application in both pea and lentil fields.
– Timing is essential, with herbicides needing to be applied before flowering to avoid crop injury.
– Peas have a narrow window of application compared to lentils, which have a wider window due to their traded tolerance to group 2 chemistries.
– Preemptive weed management strategies are essential in lentils, given their low competitiveness against weeds.
In conclusion, understanding herbicide staging is fundamental to maximizing weed control efficacy and ensuring crop safety in pulse crops. By following these guidelines and staying informed on the unique considerations for peas and lentils, farmers can optimize their herbicide application practices for a successful growing season. Happy farming! 🌱
