Weed management in maize

Chemical Weed Control in Maize

Understanding Herbicides.

Herbicides can be applied at various stages:

1. Pre-plant cleanup: Before Maize planting.
2. Pre-emergence: After planting, before Maize emergence.
3. Post-emergence: After Maize and weed emergence.

Herbicide Types and Applications.

Pre-plant Cleanup Herbicides (Foliar Active).

• Examples: Glyphosate.
• Applied before planting to control germinated weeds.
• Also used post-emergent to weeds, but pre-emergent to Maize

Pre-emergent herbicides (Soil Residual).

• Examples: Mutsvairo Select, Metolachlor, Atrazine, MCPA, Acetachlor (Harness) etc.
• Applied after planting, before Maize emergence.
• May require light irrigation or light rainfall within 7-10 days after applying.
• Little to no foliar activity; usually ineffective against emerged weeds.

Post-emergent herbicides (Foliar Active).

• Examples: Mutsvairo Select, Atrazine, MCPA, Stella Star, Auxol, Dicamba, Nicosulfron (Accent), Halosulfuron andcBentazone etc.
• Applied after Maize and weed emergence.
• Generally safe for crops if applied as directed.

Minimizing Herbicide Injury

1. Uniform application at specified growth stages.
2. Avoid unfavorable conditions (Cool, wet weather, etc.)
3. Consider crop stress, soil quality and seed quality.
4. Choose herbicides compatible with Maize hybrids and cultivars.
5. Plan for next season's crop planting options.

Key Considerations:

• Herbicide selection depends on factors like weed spectrum, soil type and climate.
• Multiple herbicide applications may provide season-long weed control.
• Always follow label instructions and recommended application rates.