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Warm weather and ample soil moisture will soon allow for significant growth of winter annual weed species (spring weed "greenup") in no-till production fields. Winter annual and early summer annual weeds can cause significant problems, especially when field conditions are not conducive for a timely burndown herbicide application prior to no-till corn or soybean planting. It is not atypical to deal with winter annual weeds ranging from a few inches to more than a foot in height when burndown herbicide applications are made. Proper timing of a burndown herbicide application can often reduce problems later in the season. Chickweed, henbit, and purple deadnettle are winter annual species that have caused significant planting problems when not controlled properly. There are several herbicides that provide good control of these species. Table 6 contains efficacy ratings for several herbicides and herbicide combinations used in burndown situations to control existing winter annual, early summer annual, and perennial weed species. Other burndown herbicides that are effective in controlling common chickweed and henbit include Basis (corn), and Harmony Extra and Express (corn and soybeans). However, Harmony Extra and Express may not be viable options at this time since there is a 45-day interval restriction between application and planting. Also, keep in mind that several other herbicides used in burndown applications have planting interval restrictions. This is especially important when using 2,4-D or dicamba (Banvel, Clarity) prior to soybean planting (Table 6).--Christy Sprague and Aaron Hager
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