By Scout Nelson
University of Minnesota Extension educators Eric Yu and Dave Nicolai are encouraging growers to inspect fields and surrounding areas before harvest for weeds that escaped earlier control measures. Taking action now can help prevent seed production, reduce future weed pressure, and limit the spread of invasive weeds.
Despite this year's dry conditions, weeds continue to emerge and mature in Minnesota crop fields. Growers are advised to scout corn and soybean fields as well as roadsides, waterways, field entrances, shelterbelts, and other locations where weeds may have survived.
Particular attention should be given to species such as waterhemp, pigweed, giant ragweed, common ragweed, kochia, common lambsquarters, and annual grasses. Waterhemp remains a major concern because of its ability to produce large quantities of viable seed in a short period, increasing the potential for future infestations.
Extension specialists recommend mowing fence lines, field edges, and other non-crop areas before weeds reach seed maturity. Research shows that controlling weeds before seeds fully develop can significantly reduce seed production and help prevent the buildup of weed populations.
While mowing is less effective after seeds mature, it can still limit additional seed production. Maintaining grassy margins and driveways can also help suppress weed growth and reduce the spread of perennial species.
Harvest operations can unintentionally spread weed seeds between fields. Growers are encouraged to identify heavily infested areas before harvest, harvest cleaner sections first, and clean equipment when moving from weedy fields to cleaner ones.
Farmers should also watch for invasive species such as Palmer amaranth, which is easier to manage when detected early. By scouting fields, controlling weeds before harvest, and reducing seed movement, producers can improve long-term weed management and reduce future production challenges.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki.jpg
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Harvesting