JACKSON, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Weed Tour will be June 21, at the West Tennessee Research & Education Center in Jackson. The tour will begin at 9 a.m. and end with lunch at noon.

Most of the research shown will be on glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed and Palmer amaranth, said Larry Steckel, UT extension weed specialist. “The tour will cover about 50 weed management research tests in corn, soybeans and cotton,” he said.

Management of GR horseweed and Palmer amaranth (pigweed) in Liberty, as well as glyphosate systems in cotton and soybeans, will be highlighted. Steckel said pigweed control in soybeans is a major concern for growers in his region dealing with early dry conditions this year.

“Warm temperatures and dry weather here in late May gave us heavy Palmer pigweed pressure,” he said. “Soybeans we seeded in clean fields on May 16 had pigweed over six inches tall 12 days later, with the beans at the trifoliate stage.”

Zidua, the trade name for BASF’s new pyroxasulfone product, looks to be effective on GR pigweed in the Jackson soybean plots this spring, said Steckel.

“We’ve seen Zidua as a pre-emergent, with even partial activation in dry conditions, giving good early action on resistant pigweed,” he added.

The label for Zidua is currently approved for residual control of small-seeded broadleaf weeds and grasses in corn. The label is expected to expand to soybeans and wheat later this year, making Zidua a probable option for soybean producers in 2013.

Zidua can also control foxtail, Italian ryegrass and crabgrass and suppress large-seeded broadleaves, such as velvetleaf, morning
glory and ragweed.

Fierce, a Valent tank mix of Zidua with Valor, will also be on display at the weed tour. “Depending on the rate, we’ve seen four- to five-week (GR weed) control with Fierce, following it up with a post-emergence for good control,” said Steckel.

For crops other than corn and soybeans, Fierce currently has a one-month rotational restriction for wheat and an 18-month rotational restriction for cotton.

Pyroxasulfone is also expected to be soon labeled in Anthem, an FMC product.  Anthem combines Zidua (pyroxasulfone) with Cadet (fluthiacetmethyl). A tank mix called Anthem ATZ will add atrazine to the mix. Pyroxasulfone, in the isoxazoline class of chemistry, inhibits the seed’s very long fatty acid (VLFA).

As in past years, a research plot plan book will be available to those attending the Jackson weed tour. UT personnel will be available for consultation and discussing product issues and performance. To learn more, call Steckel at 731-425-4705 or email lsteckel@utk.edu