Champion Belt for Battle for the Belt in corn
Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-25/battle-belt-season-2-episode-18-planting-date-and-weed-control by Taylor Dill, Osler Ortez, Laura Lindsey, Alyssa Essman
Episode 18 of Battle for the Belt is now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbf-dlV-jmc
In Episode 18, we are with Dr. Alyssa Essman, Weed Control Extension State Specialist, at the Western Agricultural Research Station in South Charleston, Ohio talking about weed management considerations for different planting dates.
Weed Control Considerations
The critical period for weed control is the first four to six weeks after crop planting. This period is when the young plants are most sensitive to competition with weeds for resources such as moisture and sunlight. Timely weed management, especially within this window, will reduce yield loss potential from the presence of weeds. In situations where soybean or corn are planted, but inclement weather prevents us from being able to get back into the field in a timely manner, it is very important to refer to herbicide labels and the weed control guide to evaluate management options. In areas that have had dry weather, the use of adjuvants becomes especially important, as plants develop a thicker cuticle and the herbicide has a harder time getting into the plant.
Weed Control in Corn – Western Site
The fifth planting date (June 17) of Battle for the Belt has more weed competition than the other planting dates at this time, as the plants were not tall enough yet to fully canopy, and the weather had not allowed a post emergence application. The height of weeds, growing past the top of the corn, shows that the weeds have a competitive advantage. In these plots, the plants near the weeds are about a leaf in growth stage behind the plants that are further from the weeds. In earlier planting dates, there is greater canopy closure and fewer weeds.