See advice from UF/IFAS weed scientist Ramdas Kanissery on improving herbicide efficacy for citrus growers and others.

Weeds are always a concern in agriculture, and whether they are in your grove, field, or pasture, you likely utilize herbicides as part of your weed management program. UF/IFAS weed scientist Ramdas Kanissery shared tips on getting more bang for your buck and improving herbicide efficacy at the latest Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute. While the tips are geared towards Florida citrus growers, the majority of the tips could be used by anyone in agriculture. See the advice below.

Tips to Improve Herbicide Efficacy

Kanissery’s tips were shared in a Citrus Industry article. There are:

  • “Use optimal herbicide rates. That includes high labeled rates on heavy weed infestations and on weeds in a mature growth stage.
  • These post-emergent herbicide mixes will not have favorable outcomes: fluazifop-P-butyl (Fusilade) plus 2,4-D (Embed Extra); glyphosate plus carfentrazone (Aim); and glyphosate plus glufosinate (Scout, Rely 280, etc.).
  • When mixing glyphosate and 2,4-D (Embed Extra), avoid mixing issues by increasing water application volumes and by only adding glyphosate when the spray tank is full.
  • Use an appropriate surfactant; it helps improve herbicide retention, coverage and efficacy.
  • Use suggested adjuvants.
  • Apply herbicide when there is ample sunlight. Mid-day applications enhance the effectiveness of glufosinate. Broadleaf weeds tend to be more sensitive to the time-of-day effect than grasses.
  • When spraying during the rainy season, give at least six hours of dry period. Generally, rainfall within six hours after application reduces effectiveness.
  • Efficacy of post-emergent systemic herbicides glyphosate, 2,4-D (Embed Extra) and sethoxydim (Poast) is reduced when temperatures are above 95 degrees. At that temperature, injury potential to the tree is also high.
  • Spray herbicide when there is low wind.
  • Bring pre-emergent herbicides into the weed control program. There can be about 130 million viable weed seeds in an acre of soil.
  • Tank mixing pre-emergence residual herbicides helps cut down the rates and manages herbicide tolerance issues.”

Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.