26 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming | February 2024 weed watch Looking ahead to next growing season, you can be sure these uninvited guests will return, to compete with crops, steal essential nutrients, water and sunlight, and hinder profitability. This article looks at seven notorious annual weeds, diving into their characteristics, the threats they pose, and the best strategies to combat them for 2024. #1. Lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album) Characteristics: Recognizable by its diamond-shaped leaves and powdery texture, this weed grows rapidly, sometimes towering up to five feet. Impact: Historical data paints a concerning picture of its competitive nature with crops, especially corn and soybeans. If unchecked, Lamb’s quarters can overshadow crops, stealing light and nutrients. Also, as Better Farming Crops columnist Patrick Lynch explains, “it was the first widespread weed that was resistant to triazines, including atrazine and metribuzin.” Control Measures: An integrated approach is indispensable. Herbicides like metolachlor and atrazine can be effective if your Lambs’ quarters is not triazine resistant. Unfortunately, in Ontario, most escapes are triazine- resistant. Additionally, crop rotation and ensuring herbicides penetrate the thick canopy of this weed can make a significant difference. This is especially the case if using glyphosate. “You must spray early at full rate,” suggests Lynch. #2. Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) Characteristics: With a rapid growth rate and a tall, slender appearance, pigweed varieties, especially the Palmer amaranth, are resilient adversaries. Impact: A single plant can produce up to half a million seeds, leading to quick infestation. Its aggressive nature can impact soybean yields significantly. Control Measures: Diversifying herbicide usage helps counteract potential resistance. Pigweed was the first weed to exhibit resistance to Group 2 herbicides over a wide geography. Additionally, practices like narrower row spacing hinder its rapid growth. Being proactive and targeting this weed during its early growth stages is crucial. PREPARE TO CONTROL THESE SEVEN YIELD-LIMITING ADVERSARIES ANNUAL WEEDS: A GAME-PLAN FOR 2024 COMPILED BY THE BETTER FARMING EDITORIAL TEAM Emily Croft photo Taste the Image - stock.adobe.com simona - stock.adobe.com
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