Reducing the Build-up of Resistances on the Farm
Whether it is the result of water quality or the lack of rotation of pesticides on the farm, weeds and diseases are becoming more and more resistant to the active ingredients in pesticides.
Previously, we have examined the effect of water hardness on the efficacy of burn down and desiccation, but water quality can also cause herbicides to be less effective on certain hard-to-kill species of weeds, ultimately leading to resistance. Continue reading to find out how to improve your herbicide efficacy with a simple “pHix.”
We will also be exploring the effect of elicitors – compounds which activate chemical defense in plants – to help enhance the effectiveness of certain fungicides, such as mono-site strobilurins.
Water Quality and Weed Control
Spray water from the well or dugout often has a high mineral content, especially calcium and magnesium. These positively charged ions bind to the negatively charged herbicide molecules, such as glyphosate and other tank partners, significantly reducing weed efficacy. Calcium and magnesium are also responsible for increasing the pH of water, resulting in an alkaline spray solution alkaline which is less suitable for many herbicides with an acidic range of activity.
Given the fact that there are very few alternatives available on the market, chemistry rotation is not always possible, which pushes users to increase rate. This overuse of the same actives at higher rates of application can result in a development of resistance among certain weed species that are already hard to kill.
A key step in preventing resistance build-up in the field is getting into the habit of testing water for hardness and pH. When water is found to be hard/high pH, using a water conditioner like OMEX’s pHix can help reduce both and improve weed kill during burn-off or dissection.
Talk to your OMEX representative today to learn more about pHix and its benefits. When it comes to controlling pH, pHix is much more effective at acidifying the water than the commonly used ammonium sulfate.
Elicitors and Disease Control
Just as herbicides struggle to control resistant weeds, many fungicides and insecticides are losing efficacy in controlling some common diseases and pests encountered in the Prairies. This is due to the quick adaptation of the pathogens and pests to the high selection pressure exerted by the limited selection of actives allowed by most crop rotations.
To help mitigate this, OMEX has a new line of products dedicated to enhancing both soil and crop health. The line includes a wide range of elicitors and biostimulants that work to trigger plants’ natural defenses to pathogens and pests, prolonging the activity of pesticides. In addition, the association of these elicitors with key micronutrients has the advantage of promoting crop health and reducing the chances of heavy infections and infestations.
OMEX Has the Solution
Talk to your OMEX representative today to learn more about our newly-launched biostimulants, including plant growth regulators (PGRs) and plant growth stimulators (PGSs), and find out how they work with our wide range of Primers, Starters, Foliars and specialty products to help you mitigate crop stress, preserve yield and quality, and have a successful growing season. And, don’t forget to ask about pHix water conditioner to help you get the best of your burn-off or desiccation.