By UPL

Modern technology and equipment of today’s agricultural production systems allow growers and retailers to intensively, yet efficiently manage small grain crops throughout the growing season. Lynn Justesen, Technical Services Lead and Ryan Bryant-Schlobohm, Technical Services Manager from UPL, offer four key practices for integrated management from planting to harvest.

Choose the right seed

Understanding the genetic capabilities of small grain varieties available is key to setting the year off in the right direction. Knowing what type of disease resistance or insect tolerance seed choices are available can help to better prepare for additional management strategies needed later in the growing season. If a certain disease or insect has become a recurring problem year after year, consider looking for varieties containing genetic resistance to said pests. Varietal resistance is an important aspect of an integrated approach to pest management, in addition to cultural and chemical control options.

Protect seed with the right seed treatment package

Yield potential will be greatest before the seed hits the ground. Immediately after planting, a variety of biotic and abiotic factors all begin exerting their abilities to actively reduce yield potential. To mitigate the effects of early season disease pressure, retailers and growers should consider implementing a robust seed treatment program to protect their seed investment. Seed treatments containing two or three fungicides, like Rancona® Summit or Rancona® V RTU, may help control many seed- and soilborne seed rots, seedling blights, and damping off, in addition to providing protection against loose smut and common bunt.

Optimize weed control through an integrated approach

Weed competition can significantly reduce yield potential if not managed appropriately and control strategies should be kept top of mind in the early planning stages of the growing season. Knowing the weed species, history and any resistance issues of the field will aid in preparing an effective herbicide program.

Controlling grassy weeds in wheat can be a challenge. A pre-emergent herbicide program will optimize the efficacy of the post application. Many weeds are easy to control before they even emerge. For spring and winter wheat, retailers should help growers select appropriate tank mix partners and rotate chemistries each growing season to reduce the likelihood of developing resistant weeds. Furthermore, applying herbicides at the labelled rates and proper timings/weed heights will further increase the efficacy of any herbicide program.

Fallow weed management, cultural and mechanical control will all further aid in breaking up weed life cycles and reducing the onset of resistant biotype development. Weed management should be a yearlong focus, seeking to minimize the competition crops receive to the greatest extent during key growth stages. One option for control of key grass and broadleaf weeds in season is Everest 3.0 from UPL. This advanced flucarbazone formulation when preceded by Pre-Pare® herbicide as a pre-emergent application can provide early season residual control of troublesome grass and broadleaf weeds.

Regularly scout fields to monitor disease progression and insect populations

Conditions can change quickly in the field and regular scouting helps to stay on top of what is going on. Favorable conditions can quickly lead to significant incidence of disease or insect population development. Scouting also helps in keeping track of herbicide programs – with post-emergent applications, weed height can be incredibly important and scouting helps to make sure optimal control windows for not missed.

Fungicide applications will be most effective as a preventative application, therefore it’s advantageous for growers to be proactive in their disease management programs. Apply fungicides at the first sight of disease, ahead of weather favoring disease development, or during growth stages where protection is most critical. Scouting can further aid in timing decisions of insecticides. Unless otherwise noted, insecticides should be applied as populations begin to reach economic thresholds – the point in time when crop damage exceeds the cost of the insecticide application.

Regular scouting is imperative to staying on top of developing pest populations and addressing needs throughout the season. If disease is noted when scouting, the use of Evito^® fungicide as a base or Fortix^® or Zolera^® FX can provide the disease control on wheat acres. If pests like aphids, armyworms, and cutworms are found in wheat during scouting, Lambda-Cy^® can provide great control.

For additional information on integrated approaches and solutions to crop management, contact your local UPL Representative.