Weeds are always adapting and farmers also must adapt if they want to be successful in the fight against them. Glyphosate has been a product that has been in the toolbox for some time now and has been effective against many stubborn weeds such as water hemp and others. However, as with any other herbicide tools, there is the danger of the weeds becoming tolerant to it. Dicamba products have become an alternative to combat glyphosate tolerance. BASF?s Engenia? herbicide has been an effective tool for farmers to use against tolerance.
Audio: Full interview with BASF’s Dr. Gary Schmitz
Dr. Gary Schmitz is the Midwest Regional Technical Service Manager for BASF. He talks about the fact that 77% of growers are dealing with glyphosate-resistant weeds. He says that Engenia? herbicide gives growers a new mode of action. It controls over 200 glyphosate-resistant weeds. Many of those are found in Iowa. Schmitz talks about the different options you have for using the product.
Dicamba has been the focus of much discussion this past year. In June, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the EPA?s approval of many dicamba products. This fall, EPA reregistered dicamba products for the next five years, and Schmitz talks about why it is important for farmers to have this product in their toolbox.
Also, BASF has been working hard at promoting their program called ?Operation Weed Eradication?, which partners herbicides with other techniques to help manage weeds and slow the building of herbicide resistance. Some of those techniques include cover crops, cultivation, and even old-fashioned pulling of weeds.
To learn more about Engenia? herbicide or Operation Weed Eradication, visit the BASF website.
