6 Tips for Burndown Success
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A fall burndown herbicide application can serve multiple benefits, says Scott Pringnitz, market development specialist, Corteva Agriscience.
“Burndown applications provide a targeted approach to weeds that are easier to control in the fall, such as marestail, dandelion and chickweed,” Pringnitz says. “Controlling these weeds when they’re small is more cost-effective, and it will provide a better start to the growing season next spring.”
Without a burndown herbicide application in the fall and/or spring, fields may require additional herbicides mixed in the postemergence pass because fields weren’t clean to begin with at planting time.
“Burndown applications help fields start clean and stay clean throughout the season, and they are especially beneficial for no-till fields or fields with stale seedbeds,” Pringnitz explains.
He shares 6 tips for maximizing herbicide efficacy in burndown programs.
- Scout fields to determine weed pressure. Before any herbicide application is ever made, it’s important to know which weeds are present, what size they are and how many there are.
- Time it right. Herbicides will be most effective on emerged weeds and when applied before the weeds shut down due to cold temperatures. Fall burndown applications should be made when temperatures are above 40 F so the plants can translocate any herbicide that may have been applied.
- Employ multiple modes of action (MOA). “Ensure the burndown mix includes at least two effective modes of action against the weed species in your customers fields,” Pringnitz says. “A minimum of two modes of action is recommended, but more may be needed depending on weed pressure. It’s also beneficial to look for products that provide residual activity for control of later-germinating weeds.”
- Use the full, labeled herbicide rates. “Cutting rates will not only provide ineffective burndown weed control but also will likely cost growers more in the long run through yield impacts and the need for higher rate programs during the growing season,” Pringnitz says.
- Consider adjuvant options. The adjuvant can make or break a herbicide mix, so it’s important to choose the right product for effective control. Using adjuvants such as methylated seed oil (MSO) or crop oil concentrates (COCs) — and mixing them properly — will help provide more effective weed control in cool or fluctuating fall temperatures. Learn more about adjuvant selection in this article.
- Consult local experts. The best burndown program will be based on your geography, weather conditions, weed pressure and timing of the application. That’s why it’s always a good idea to consult local experts, such as your Corteva Agriscience representative, to determine the best burndown program for your customers.