aspb_navtop.gif (313 bytes)
About The ASPB
ASPB Programs
Publications
Research Results
Arkansas Ag Statistics
Internet Resources

 

Publications Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board

Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board


Soybeans Today January 1999

Promotion Board Funds Weed Control Studies

By Rich Maples

Ford Baldwin is a pioneer

Ford Baldwin says funding from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board has allowed him and fellow weed scientists with the Division of Agriculture to examine weed control options with a "much wider perspective" than might be possible if they relied solely on industry funding.

"Basically all of the applied weed science research I do is funded by the Promotion Board," says Baldwin. That includes his work on application rates, application timing and use of other herbicides with Roundup Ready soybeans.

Baldwin says studies conducted by him and researchers such as Dick Oliver have shown over the past four years that two applications of a pint of Roundup per acre are as effective as the higher label rates if the applications are properly timed.

"The label recommends a quart the first application, followed by a pint to a quart in a second application," notes Baldwin. "So we're reducing the rate by a third or even a half with no loss in activity if farmers stick to our timing.

"If they miss our timing, I would be the first to tell farmers to use the label rate. But we've found that the timing is much more critical than the rate."

He says making the initial application of Roundup within the first 14 days after soybean emergence is just as important as timing is with any other herbicide.

"In 1998, most farmers faced drought condition earlier than anticipated. The question became, 'Do I spray drought stressed weeds, or do I wait for a rain?'

"The weed control programs we emphasize normally enable farmers to spray before they get into a drought stress situation."

Baldwin says grower checkoff funding has allowed U of A weed scientists to answer growers' questions about whether herbicides other than Roundup can be used effectively with Roundup Ready soybeans.

"Monsanto has advertised a Roundup-only program that says, 'If you need anything else, use more Roundup.' Other companies are saying, 'Put our herbicide down in the soil and you'll prevent a lot of that early weed competition.'

"We've found that both sides can be right. A Roundup-only program can work well, but during years of environmental extremes like 1998, when it was too wet in extreme north Arkansas and too dry everywhere else, having a residual soil-applied herbicide can be very beneficial in a Roundup Ready program."

Soybeans Today January 1999
Table of Contents

 

About the ASPB | ASPB Programs | Publications
Research Results | Arkansas Ag Statistics | Internet Resources
Homepage | Live Dealer

 

For additional information about any board-related activity contact:

Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
ATTN: Warren Carter
P.O. Box 31
Little Rock, AR 72203-0031
Phone: 501-228-1265.

Copyright �2000 Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.
All rights reserved.