Innovative strategies to address weed management challenges in Ontario

Objectives:

• To evaluate corn injury and yield loss when too many products (spray additives) are applied in a single tankmix and assess the economic impacts.
• To evaluate the efficacy of Enlist 1 with various tankmix partners applied preplant for the control of glyphosate-resistant (GR) Canada fleabane in E3 soybean and assess the cost of these control strategies.

Impacts:

• Reduced crop injury, economic savings, and increased profitability: Ag-retailers often encourage the addition of spray additives to herbicide tank mixtures. Although previous research has shown that the addition of spray additives to herbicide applications can dramatically improve weed control and increase crop yield, they are not always required. This research aims to determine the impact of unnecessary spray additives (adjuvant and drift retardant) to herbicides applied postemergence on corn injury and yield. The results of this research may reduce grower input costs and increase corn yield and net returns.
• More effective control of challenging weeds: In trials conducted on Ontario farms, glyphosate-resistant (GR) Canada fleabane interference reduced soybean yield an average of 65%. In E3 soybean, this project will focus on determining the most effective Enlist 1 tankmix for managing GR Canada fleabane. Tankmixes of Enlist 1 plus either Eragon, Sencor, or Liberty will be evaluated. With the rapid transition of Ontario soybean producers to E3 soybean, the potential monetary value of this research is tremendous.

Scientific Summary:

Ontario’s grain farmers face multiple challenges in managing weeds effectively, particularly with the continuing evolution of multiple herbicide-resistant biotypes. This research will focus on advancing science-based weed control recommendations for corn and soybean producers in Ontario. Effective weed control in these crops is crucial for maximizing crop yield and net returns. One study will determine the impact of too many spray additives on corn tolerance and yield. The second study will focus on developing the optimal control strategy for GR Canada fleabane control in E3 soybean.

This project aims to incrementally advance weed management practices for Ontario grain farmers. The project will provide science-based recommendations to Ontario grain farmers to optimize weed control, increase crop yield, and maximize net returns.

External Funding Partners:

Department of Plant Agriculture (University of Guelph)