Notice: Using Internet Explorer may cause some issues with loading dynamic content such as Cash Bids. Please use a modern browser such as Edge, Firefox, or Chrome.

Dynamic Weather Icon for Today's Forecast
Weather N/A

Burndown Applications: Considerations for a Successful Spring

03/31/2020
Burndown Applications: Considerations for a Successful Spring
  • Burndown applications before planting provide an opportunity to manage winter annuals before they become more difficult to control.
  • A residual herbicide may be added to the burndown herbicide to reduce applications prior to planting. 
  • Always read herbicide labels to determine if a plant back restriction is in place for each herbicide used.

Many of our winter annual weeds have started to green up and grow during the latter half of March. Before long, they will begin to dramatically increase their vegetative growth before reproducing later in the spring.  When the weather allows, Anhydrous ammonia and dry fertilizer applications will be on the priority list. However, let’s not forget the importance of timely herbicide applications, and the value that a spring burndown can bring when managing tough to control weeds.

With the fluctuating fall conditions across much of the territory, winter annual weeds have had a head start in some geographies, while in others, weed development may be much slower. While the harsh winter may have suppressed some of the growth of these weeds, it’s important to not let them get too far along in their growth cycle. If left unmanaged this spring, weeds can get out of hand quickly and management of weed escapes may warrant a second herbicide application. Earlier burndown applications will ensure that we get control of our winter annual weeds while they are small, before they get to a growth stage that is much more difficult to manage.  

When thinking about our herbicide options, make sure to use multiple effective sites of action.  Additionally, pay attention to the air temperature at the time of application when managing emerged weeds. Burndown herbicides are much more consistent if the nighttime temperatures stay well above freezing and the daytime temperatures reach at least 50 degrees. This ensures that the plant is actively growing and can translocate the herbicide to the site of action. Burndown applications that are combined with residual herbicides can help minimize the number of winter annual weeds that may emerge prior to planting.  This may be a good option for growers who have a seedbank that contains many winter annuals or large seeded broadleaves that are early emerging.  In addition, as we get closer to planting, a residual herbicide may be added to manage driver weed species, such as waterhemp.  The residual herbicide to manage waterhemp will be more effective the closer to planting it is applied. However, if we delay our burndown application for too long to ensure residual herbicide activity, winter annual weeds such as marestail may become too large to be controlled.  We need to find the best timing that ensures control of emerged weeds while being close enough to planting to get the best value from residual herbicides.

When using burndown herbicides containing auxins, be aware of the plant back restrictions on the label to avoid potential crop injury.  If the plant back restrictions of an auxin herbicide cannot be met, consider a different mode of action that doesn’t have a plant back restriction or has a shorter interval to planting. 

For more information on burndown and residual herbicide programs contact your local FS crop specialist.

Photo:  Marestail growth in Central Illinois field 4/2/2016

Related Articles

Sep 15, 2020

Find out how preharvest application may get weed escapes and excessive weed patches under control before the combine hits the field.

Apr 6, 2020

Planting has already started in the Midwest with both corn and soybeans being planted simultaneously. Early planted soybeans are becoming more popular each year because of the higher yields associated with a longer time period to capture solar radiation.

Mar 11, 2019

Once the weather breaks this spring and field operations commence, Anhydrous ammonia and dry fertilizer applications are certainly on the priority list. In the rush to catch up with fertility needs, don't forget the importance of timely herbicide applications and the value spring burndown can contribute to managing tough weeds.

Related Videos

Dec 19, 2019

Exciting new FS HiSOY products in the group three maturity range. HS 32X90 and HS 35X90. Both had high yields in 2018 trials, and bring an overall strong agronomic package.

Oct 29, 2019

Learn about two new exciting high-yielding products - HS 19X90 & 21X90.

Feb 18, 2015

​Listen to Jeff Bunting, Crop Protection Division Manager, discuss crop protection strategies for your farm.

We have revised our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Please read both of these documents as the changes affect your legal rights. By continuing you agree to these updates.

We have revised our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Please read both of these documents as the changes affect your legal rights. By continuing you agree to these updates.