Why Canadian Growers Should Spray Herbicide When Late Seeding Occurs

Jeff Vanrobaeys

Apr 24, 2023

With a late Spring throughout much of Western Canada, many growers are going to be faced with a hectic, hurried seeding season. Many things are going to have to happen in a short period of time. One operation that often gets overlooked is a proper spring burn-off.  

Weed Pressure

Many growers feel that there is not enough weed pressure, they can get to it before crop emergence, or that they can deal with it in-crop after they get finished seeding. Spring burn off with Smoke 540 with an effective tank mix partner is an excellent way to control troublesome weeds, and to incorporate different herbicide modes of action (M.O.A.) into a farm's herbicide rotations to help mitigate and delay herbicide resistance. With the advent of things like Group 2 and Group 9 resistant Kochia, it gives growers an opportunity to use a different, effective M.O.A. to control herbicide resistant Kochia, and other troublesome weeds. 

Tank Mixing

FBN Direct® has several effective tank mix partners to add to Smoke 540 such as FBN® Florasulam and Maxunitech Carfentrazone, ensuring the crop gets established quickly and providing more weed control options for later in-crop herbicide applications. Even in a spring with delayed seeding, an effective pre-seed burn off is often one of the most important factors in ensuring successful crop establishment, and an excellent opportunity to utilize different herbicide groups with residual activity until you can get to your in-crop pass.

With a late spring occurring throughout much of Western Canada, growers will face a condensed and hurried seeding season. Many tasks will need to be completed in a short timeframe. 

Spring Burn-Off

One crucial step that is often overlooked is a proper spring burn-off. Some growers believe there isn't enough weed pressure to warrant it, or they can manage it after crop emergence or during in-crop herbicide applications. However, a spring burn-off with Smoke 540 and an effective tank mix partner is an excellent method to control troublesome weeds while incorporating different herbicide modes of action (M.O.A.) into a farm's herbicide rotation. 

This approach can help mitigate and delay herbicide resistance, especially with the rise of Group 2 and Group 9 resistant Kochia. Using different, effective M.O.A.s like FBN Florasulam and Maxunitech Carfentrazone with Smoke 540 ensures crop establishment and provides additional weed control options for later in-crop herbicide applications. 

Even in delayed seeding conditions, a successful pre-seed burn-off is critical for establishing a healthy crop and utilizing herbicide groups with residual activity. Shop for crop protection products and find the necessary tools at FBN Direct to support pre-plant burndown.

Shop for Crop Protection Products

Find the products you need at FBN Direct. We have a diverse herbicide portfolio to provide product options for growers like you to support pre plant burndown.


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Jeff Vanrobaeys

Apr 24, 2023