Ford Says: Field Observations

Following are some random thoughts from field observations and phone calls over the past week. First, it is evident that some are having difficulty managing the three major trait technologies (conventional, Clearfield/FullPage, and Provisia/MaxAce) in rice. Getting the wrong herbicide matched up with the wrong trait after planting, for any of the myriad of reasons I have heard, doesn’t end well, as seen below.

Likewise, drifting the wrong herbicide toward the wrong trait often doesn’t end well. Look at jugs or containers more than once when delivering or mixing. Many names and containers of herbicides, other chemicals, adjuvants, and other additives can be all too similar! Grabbing the wrong one can be disastrous.

A lot of rice has been flooded, and fields always look great right after the big nitrogen hit and the flood. Scout carefully, though, as everything green in the field may not be rice! Choice preflood herbicide treatments have often been difficult to spray, which can mean more grass may emerge through the flood. The sooner a post flood treatment is applied after the grass comes out of the water, the better the chances are for success.

Many fields are ready for pre-flood treatments, and the weather and surrounding crops and technologies are making things difficult. Many of those situations are “throw the book out,” so just call.

There is a considerable amount of late-planted rice. In these situations, load up on residuals as getting postemergence herbicides sprayed will be difficult. Be aware that grass will emerge very quickly and grow fast. In addition to the difficulty of spraying postemergence herbicides, they also become less reliable as the temperatures pass 90 degrees.

A lot of the situation calls involve annual sedges. Where they can be used, Loyant and 2,4-D are both effective annual sedge herbicides. Adjacent soybeans often make the use of these difficult. I have recommended more Basagran this year than I can remember. It is effective on annual sedges and can be blown toward soybeans and corn. Where possible, I like a quart of EC propanil with it in place of the crop oil.

On large Palmer amaranth, 8 to 10 ounces of Loyant is the best where you can get it out. These are almost always ground-rig situations. A quart of 2,4-D is also reasonably effective where it can be used. If neither of those is a possibility, there just are not any good options.

Some growers are struggling to remove excess water from fields, and in some cases, hail and wind damage. While those are outside my area of expertise, I sure do care.

To end on a positive note, rice has a tremendous ability to overcome adversity, whether from herbicide damage, weather, or any number of other things. Things can turn around in a hurry. If I can help in any way, call.

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