Pre-emerge herbicide should be a top priority for corn growers in 2013

There are many factors corn growers should consider in the spring, but according to BASF Canada Inc. (BASF), applying a pre-emerge herbicide should be a top priority.

"Weeds can have a significant impact on early corn development, so it's critical to keep corn fields weed-free right up to the six-leaf stage," says Drew Thompson, Technical Development Specialist with BASF Canada. "Using a pre-emerge herbicide can help growers protect their investment, setting the stage to maximize their yield potential at harvest."

Research has shown that early weeds can rob corn yields because they compete with the emerging plant. When the corn crop and weeds emerge together, corn plants will divert energy away from root development to grow taller than the weed while reducing yield potential in the process.

"The longer the corn can remain weed-free, the higher the potential for yield," says Thompson.

Starting early with a pre-emerge application of INTEGRITY (saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P) herbicide provides residual early weed control to manage such tough weeds as velvetleaf, cocklebur and yellow nutsedge. The wide application window and residual activity of INTEGRITY makes it a good option for application even before planting begins.

"Applying a pre-emerge herbicide will help get corn off to its best possible start," says Thompson. "It really should be your first decision this spring."