Friday, April 16, 2010

Purging Valor from herbicide spraying tanks and systems

Valor has emerged as an important herbicide tool where farmers are either trying to prevent Roundup resistant weed development or are coping with this serious problem.

The downside to Valor is that even faint traces of it carried over in later sprays can harm other crops.

Valent, the herbicide's manufacturer, has issued an updated list of recommendations for farmers or applicators who need to purge Valor residue from spray equipment.

Here's the link.

Palmer Amaranth (Pigweed) Herbicide Program Suggestions (In Roundup Ready Cotton Only)

The following was sent to us by

It is not a question of if you will have glyphosate resistant Palmer amaranth in your fields but when. It is going to happen to you sooner or later, so be prepared. Also remember that we have many fields with ALS inhibitor resistant Palmer amaranth in them so precautions should be taken. Use the best yellow and at-plant residual program for your situation.

First Law of Cotton Weed Control: Use a yellow herbicide (Prowl, Treflan or generic equivalent) on every acre.

Second Law of Cotton Weed Control: When in doubt about using a yellow herbicide in cotton refer to First Law of Cotton Weed Control.

RESIDUAL AT-PLANT HERBICIDES: Due to the resistance issue a preemergence at-plant herbicide such as Valor, Reflex, fluometuron (Cotoran), diuron (Direx), or Staple (in some fields) is strongly recommended. Where possible you should irrigate to activate pre-emergence herbicides, if no rain within 5-7 days after planting. Unless you plan to cultivate all residual at-plant herbicides should be broadcast.

Reflex (applied at planting) and Valor (applied preplant) are used interchangeably depending on crop rotation. It is our opinion that only one of these products should be used on the same acreage per crop year. The label does not prohibit the use of both sequentially on the same cropping system but is a UGA recommendation to help prevent PPO resistance development.

Reflex should not be used where sensitive vegetables or other crops will be rotated behind treated cotton (especially brassicas such as: cabbage, collards, turnips, etc). Valor has a short rotational restriction for most crops. Valor can only be used prior to planting: conventionally planted cotton (beds already knocked off) 30 days and a 1 inch rain event; no-till planted cotton 21 days and a 1 inch rain event; strip-till cotton 14 days regardless of rain event). Valent recommends that Valor should always be followed by a preemregence herbicide (Prowl, diuron, cotoran, Staple) at planting. Please check the label. WHEN USING VALOR PLEASE FOLLOW THE VALENT VALOR TANK CLEANOUT PROCEDURE.

Note about STAPLE use: It is our opinion that Staple post plant treatments should not be made if a Staple at plant treatment was applied (Situation 3 below). The label does not prohibit the use of sequential treatments in the same cropping system; this is a UGA suggestion to help prevent ALS inhibitor resistance development.

SITUATION 1.) Fields with major glyphosate resistant Palmer amaranth problems but no ALS inhibitor resistance (if Valor (2 oz/A) is substituted for Reflex then it must be applied at least 14-30 days prior to planting, dependent on cropping system, as outlined above):
Step 1.) Yellow herbicide (use full label rate) PPI or at planting.
Step 2.) Reflex (12-16 oz/A) + diuron (Direx) 4L (16 oz/A) at-plant. Note: Staple at 1.7-2.1 oz/A can be substituted for diuron (Direx) at planting but this eliminates the over-the-top glyphosate + Staple option in Step 3.
Step 3.) Glyphosate (label rate) + Dual Magnum (16-21 oz/A) at 4 leaf stage if no Palmer is emerged. If Palmer is emerged then glyphosate (label rate) + Staple (2.6-3.8 oz/A).
Step 4.) MSMA (32-42 oz/A) + diuron 4L (32 oz/A) + crop oil concentrate. Note: Layby Pro or Suprend may be substituted for diuron. Check label for rates.

NOTE: If Palmer escapes occur earlier than 4 leaf then apply Staple over-the-top beginning at the 2 leaf stage of the crop but before pigweeds are 2 inches tall. This would be between Steps 1 and 2. Do not mix Staple with Dual (or any metolachlor product) or apply within 3+ days either way of a Dual application. Valor is labeled to be used at layby but it is our suggestion to not do so if Reflex was used at planting.
SITUATION 2.) Fields with major glyphosate and ALS inhibitor resistant Palmer amaranth problems:

Same as Situation 1.) but Staple is not an option in Step 2 or Step 3.

SITUATION 3.) Fields with heavy Palmer Amaranth populations but sensitive to glyphosate and ALS inhibitors (if Valor (2 oz/A) is substituted for Reflex then it must be applied at least 14-30 days prior to planting, dependent on cropping system, as outlined above):
Step 1.) Yellow herbicide (use full label rate) PPI or at planting.
Step 2.) Reflex (12-16 oz/A) or diuron (Direx) 4L (16-32 oz/A*) or Cotoran (2-3 pts/A) or Staple at 1.7-2.1 oz/A. If Staple is used at plant then it should not be used in Step 3 or for early escapes.
Step 3.) Glyphosate (label rate) + Dual Magnum (16-21 oz/A) at 4 leaf stage if no Palmer is emerged. If Palmer is emerged then glyphosate (label rate) + Staple (2.6-3.8 oz/A).
Step 4.) MSMA (32-42 oz/A) + diuron 4L (24-32 oz/A*) + crop oil concentrate. Note: Layby Pro or Suprend may be substituted for diuron. Check label for rates.

NOTE: If Palmer escapes occur earlier than 4 leaf then apply Staple over-the-top begining at the 2 leaf stage of the crop but before pigweeds are 2 inches tall. This would be between Steps 1 and 2. Do no mix Staple with Dual (or any metolachlor product) or apply within 3+ days either way of a Dual application.
 *To avoid potential rotational issues do not exceed 3 total pints of diuron (Direx) as a pre and post treatment per year. Further, diuron is potentially more injurious to cotton seedlings at higher rates than Cotoran. On lighter soils lower use rates of diuron should be considered. Diuron should not be used on very sandy soils due to potential injury.

SITUATION 4.) Fields with low-moderate glyphosate and ALS inhibitor sensitive Palmer amaranth problems:
Step 1.) Yellow herbicide (use full label rate) PPI or at planting.
Step 2.) Diuron (Direx) 4L (16-32 oz/A*) or Cotoran (2-3 pts/A) or Staple at 1.7-2.1 oz/A. If Staple is used at plant then it should not be used in Step 3 or for early escapes.
Step 3.) Glyphosate as needed.
Step 4.) MSMA (32-42 oz/A) + diuron 4L (24-32 oz/A*) + crop oil concentrate. Note: Layby Pro or Suprend may be substituted for diuron. Check label for rates. Can layby with Valor, since no Reflex was used.

NOTE: If Palmer escapes occur early then apply Staple over the top beginning at 2 leaf stage of crop but before pigweeds are 2 inches tall. This would be between Steps 1 and 2. Do no mix Staple with Dual (or any metolachlor product) or apply within 3+ days either way of a Dual application.
*To avoid potential rotational issues do not exceed 3 total pints of diuron (Direx) as a pre and post treatment per year. Further, diuron is potentially more injurious to cotton seedlings at higher rates than Cotoran. On lighter soils lower use rates of diuron should be considered. Diuron should not be used on very sandy soils due to potential injury.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

How Fast Can Roundup-Resistant Palmer Pigweed Build? Read This.

Leaving just 5 Roundup-resistant female Palmer pigweed plants per acre - even with 99.9% control the next year - leads to 400 per acre the next year. With similar control, by the third year you’ll have 32,000 female plants producing resistant offspring. See last week's Seminole Co., Ga., E-letter for more info on seed bank concept.

- Owen Taylor

Burndown Herbicide Options For Cotton And Soybeans In 2010

From

An extremely positive attribute to the herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate, used in a Roundup Ready or Liberty Link weed control system, respectively, is that both can exhibit excellent activity on weed species larger in size than what is recommended for optimum activity on individual labels.

Unfortunately, this can also be an extremely negative attribute to each herbicide.

Delaying herbicide application for the sake of having a greater population present to get more “bang for the buck” with a single application can allow weeds to compete with emerging crops. Early season weed competition in both soybean and cotton can result in reduced yield with little impact often observable prior to harvest. In addition, application to larger weeds can result in reduced control of less-sensitive species with glufosinate (pigweed, goosegrass, and broadleaf signalgrass) and glyphosate (morningglory species, hemp sesbania, and prickly sida).

This in turn can lead to increased weed seed-bank populations in the soil due to continued seed production and negate long term weed management efforts.

Although weed resistance to glyphosate has not been scientifically documented in Louisiana to date, the fact is that various weed populations have proven difficult to control with the herbicide in some cases (amaranths, ragweed, and Johnsongrass).

This “practical” resistance is becoming a larger issue and although attributable to spraying weeds that are too large in some instances, a “red flag” should go up whenever control failures exist. Resistance issues in other states have led to increases in herbicide management costs of 40 to 50$/A with additional herbicides needed or complete field abandonment. The economic impact of weed resistance is also realized in decreased value of the transgenic technology, as weeds previously controlled in the system become less and less susceptible, and potential decreased land rent value.

Use of residual herbicides in today’s transgenic world of soybean and cotton production can result in positive benefits including reduced early-season weed competition through prevention of weed germination in early crop development stages and weed resistance management through introduction of alternative modes of action to glyphosate or glufosinate.

To achieve maximum activity from residual herbicides, proper activation of the material must occur. Activation is placement of the herbicide in the soil region that maximizes opportunity for herbicide uptake by the emerging weed seedling. Herbicide activation is accomplished through rainfall/irrigation or mechanical incorporation. Most labels will call for a rainfall or irrigation amount of 0.5 inches or greater, preferably in one event. Mechanical uniform incorporation of the herbicide in the top 2 to 3 inches will adequately activate most herbicides. The majority of herbicides soil applied at planting will require mechanical uniform incorporation preferably within 7 to 10 days after application if rainfall is not received.

Below is a brief discussion of some of the relatively newer compounds available for preplant use in soybean in 2010, a number of which have been evaluated by LSU AgCenter Weed Scientists.  Please refer to individual herbicide labels for plant-back intervals, precautions/restrictions, soil type and rates, and special requirements/uses (ie reduced rate application in planned PRE/POST programs, incorporation instructions, activation requirements, notes for maximum control of selective species etc.). Herbicide labels can be accessed at the following website: http://www.cdms.net/LabelsMsds/LMDefault.aspx?srchPdt%20=%20&t. A table summarizing replant intervals to field corn, cotton, grain sorghum, soybean, and wheat following application of most pre-plant herbicides also follows.

Newer Herbicides for 2010

Authority First (soybean): Authority First combines the active ingredient sulfentrazone (Spartan herbicide) and cloransulam-methyl (FirstRate herbicide). This product is labeled for control of pigweed (Amaranths), morningglory (suppression on pitted), prickly sida (teaweed), groundcherry, hophornbeam copperleaf, smellmellon, yellow and purple nutsedge, and annual sedge. It provides suppression of most annual grasses. The use rates range from 6.45 oz/A (soils 3% organic matter or less) to 8 oz/A (soils greater than 3% organic matter). Do not apply to soils classified as sands with organic matter less than 1%.

Authority MTZ (soybean): Authority MTZ combines the active ingredient sulfentrazone (Spartan herbicide) and metribuzin (Sencor or Lexone herbicide). This product expressed good activity on pigweed (Amaranths), morningglory, prickly sida (teaweed), groundcherry, hophornbeam copperleaf, smellmellon, yellow and purple nutsedge, and annual sedge. It provides suppression of most annual grasses. The use rates range from 12 to 20 oz/A depending on soil type (see label). On soils with Ph greater than 7.5, use rate should not exceed 12 oz/A. Research has shown excellent activity at the rate of 14 ounces product per acre, which provides an equivalent rate of 5 oz/A metribuzin. The herbicide label should be consulted for listing of metribuzin-sensitive soybean varieties.

Axiom DF (soybean): Axiom DF combines the active ingredient flufenacet and metribuzin (Sencor or Lexone herbicide). The herbicide controls barnyardgrass, crabgrass, foxtail species, goosegrass, and fall panicum. Will provide suppression of seedling johnsongrass, broadleaf signalgrass, pigweed species, prickly sida, Pennsylvania smartweed, and waterhemp. Use rate range is 7 to 13 oz/A. The herbicide label should be consulted for listing of metribuzin-sensitive soybean varieties. 

Envive (soybean): Envive combines the active ingredients of chlorimuron ethyl (Classic herbicide), thifensulfuron methyl (Harmony GT herbicide), and flumioxazin (Valor herbicide) in one pre-mix product. Envive offers the advantage of two independent modes of action, which can aid in weed resistance management.  This product expresses strong efficacy on pigweed, morningglory, sicklepod, prickly sida (teaweed), smartweed, and hophornbeam copperleaf while suppressing annual grasses. Use rates range from 2.5 to 5.3 oz/A. It can be applied up to three days after planting. In non-STS or RR/STS soybean, do not apply within 14 days before or after application of an organophosphate insecticide. Higher rates of Envive may “carry over” when applied to soils with a pH of 7.5 or greater and injure crops planted the following year due to the Classic portion of the herbicide. If a producer wishes to apply Envive on a high pH soil, then Enlite at 2.8 oz/A may be an option. Enlite combines the same active ingredients as Envive except the Classic portion is less. Enlite provides similar performance against the weed spectrum previously listed for Envive.

Gangster (soybean): Gangster is a multi-pack combination of the active ingredients flumioxazin (Valor SX) and cloransulam methyl (FirstRate). Labeled for control of morningglory species, pigweed species, Palmer amaranth, prickly sida, smartweed, copperleaf, and wild poinsettia. Suppression of barnyardgrass, large crabgrass, giant foxtail, goosegrass, panicum, and broadleaf signalgrass can be expected. Use rates range from 3 to 3.6 oz/A. The 3 oz/A rate is equivalent to applying 2.5 oz/A Valor SX and 0.5 oz/A FirstRate.   

Prefix (soybean): Prefix combines the active ingredient s-metolachlor (Dual Magnum) and Reflex (fomesafen). Provides control of barnyardgrass, crabgrass, foxtail species, goosegrass, seedling johnsongrass, pigweed species, wild poinsettia, and smartweed species. It provides partial control of morningglory species, yellow nutsedge, and prickly sida (teaweed). Use rates range from 2 to 3 pt/A depending on soil type.

Sharpen (soybean): Sharpen contains the active ingredient saflufenacil. This product shows good activity on pigweed species, morningglory species, Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, and prickly sida (teaweed). Use rate is 1 oz/A.

Valor XLT (soybean): Valor XLT combines the active ingredients flumioxazin (Valor SX) and chlorimuron ethyl (Classic). Weeds controlled with this herbicide include copperleaf, prickly sida, pigweed species, morninglory species, palmer amaranth, smartweed, and wild poinsettia. Suppression of barnyardgrass, large crabgrass, broadleaf signalgrass, goosegrass, and panicums can be expected. Use rate ranges from 3 to 5 oz/A.


Plantback intervals for at-planting soil applied herbicides in soybean and cotton


HerbicideCorn CottonGrain SorghumSoybeanWheat
Authority First10 mo118 mo12 mo04 mo
Authority MTZ DF10 mo, 4 mo212 mo18 mo, 12 mo204 mo
Axiom DF08 mo12 mo04 mo
Boundary 6.5 EC8 mo8 mo12 mo04.5 mo
Canopy39/10 mo, 18 mo10 mo,18 mo10 mo, 18 mo04 mo
Command 3 ME9 mo04, 9 mo9 mo012 mo
Cotoran 4L/Fluometuron8 mo09 mo9 mo3 mo
Enlite9 mo9 mo9 mo04 mo
Envive510 mo, 18 mo10 mo, 30 mo10 mo, 18 mo04 mo
FirstRate9 mo9 mo9 mo03 mo
Fomesafen6See label010 mo04 mo
Gangster9 mo9 mo9 mo03 mo
Lorox DF/Lorox L04 mo004 mo
Microtech000 (treated seed)0See label
metolachlor/s-metolachlor700004.5 mo
Outlook0Next spring004 mo
Pendimethalin800Next year04 mo
Prefix10 mo1 mo10 mo04.5 mo
Pursuit/Pursuit Plus8.5 mo18 mo18 mo04 mo
Scepter9.5 mo18 mo11 mo03 mo
Sharpen0See labelSee labelSee labelSee label
Spartan 4F10 mo12 mo10 mo904 mo
Staple LX/Pyrimax 3.2 L9 mo, 10 mo100Not next season104 mo
Synchrony XP117 mo8 mo9 mo03 mo
Trifluralin1212 mo012 mo04 mo
Valor131 mo1 mo1 mo01 mo
Valor XLT510 mo, 18 mo10 mo, 30 mo10 mo, 18 mo04 mo
118 month replant interval if 6.45 to 8 oz/A was applied to soils with organic matter 1.5% or less and pH > 7.
2 Field corn can be planted 4 months after application at 14 oz/A or less. Grain sorghum can be planted 12 months after application at 20 oz/A or less.
318 month replant interval for rate greater than 3.5 oz/A and pH > 7. Field corn can be replanted in 9 months given Canopy rate does not exceed 6 oz/A.
4Refer to label for Requirements for Planting Time section.
5Longer replant intervals must be observed for soil pH 7 or greater.
6 Fomesafen is the active ingredient in herbicides such as Dawn, Reflex, and Rhythm.
7Metolachlor or s-metolachlor (see specific label for active ingredient contained) is the active ingredient in herbicides such as Dual Magnum, Cinch, Me-too-lachlor, Stalwart, Parrlay, Parallel, and similar commercially available herbicides.
8Pendimethalin is the active ingredient in herbicides such as Prowl 3.3 EC, Prowl H2O, Pendimax 3.3 and similar commercially available herbicides.
918 month replant interval for rates above 8 oz/A.
10If applied on a band (not exceeding 50% row width) and thorough soil mixing occurs, a 9 month replant interval must be observed. If rate does not exceed 3.8 oz/A total broadcast, a 10 month interval should be observed without additional soil mixing beyond normal in your particular production system.
11See label for additional replant notes.
12Trifluralin is the active ingredient in herbicides such as Treflan HFP and Trifluralin 4 EC and similar commercially available herbicides.
13One inch rainfall must be received in addition to replant interval. Intervals are for rates of 2 oz/A or less.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Canada Confirms Firsf Cases Of Roundup Resistant Weed

From a press release

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - University of Guelph weed scientists have completed evaluations of a giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) population in Ontario and can now confirm the first case of a glyphosate-resistant weed in Canada.

"We have been able to demonstrate that plants from this population of giant ragweed meet all five requirements necessary to confirm resistance, including surviving increased rates of glyphosate and the ability to pass resistance along to the next generation," said Dr. François Tardif of the department of plant agriculture at the University of Guelph.

The population in question underwent both greenhouse and field testing by university researchers, working in conjunction with Monsanto Canada, in order to confirm resistance. While over 30 other species of weeds in Canada have developed resistance to herbicides, this is the first confirmation of a glyphosate-resistant weed in Canada. In other countries around the world, 17 weed species – including giant ragweed – have been confirmed as resistant to glyphosate. Ten of those species are in the United States. All of these glyphosate-resistant weed biotypes have been managed with other herbicides and cultural practices.

"Growers frequently use glyphosate as an important weed control tool so the appearance of a glyphosate-resistant population is an important reminder for growers to consider diversity in their weed management strategies and crop management practices," added Dr. Sikkema, a plant agriculture professor at the University of Guelph's Ridgetown Campus. "Fortunately, we have already been able to identify some options for this producer that will provide effective control in corn and wheat."

This finding is the result of research that began late in 2008 when the population was first brought to the attention of the University of Guelph researchers and Monsanto. The glyphosate-resistant population is limited to giant ragweed from a single field site. Dr. Sikkema is working directly with the affected grower on alternative strategies to manage this giant ragweed population.

As part of an ongoing collaborative research effort between the University of Guelph and Monsanto, other giant ragweed populations in southwestern Ontario are also being tested for their susceptibility to glyphosate. Results from these tests will help determine the scope of the issue and any need to adjust weed management strategies and recommendations. Dr. Sikkema advises growers to include diversity in their cropping systems. This includes a diverse crop rotation with multiple herbicide modes of action over time. Growers are advised to use appropriate rates and other herbicides in their program where possible, including existing residual herbicides, to reduce the likelihood of glyphosate resistance developing in their fields.

"There are definitely crop management practices that can increase the risk of resistant weeds developing. That is why we strongly recommend farmers scout their fields, follow sound crop rotation practices and use additional modes of action that complement the Roundup Ready system to control problem weeds and reduce the likelihood of developing resistance," said Dr. Mark Lawton, Monsanto's technology development lead for Eastern Canada.

Monsanto's current best management practices include:

  • Start with a clean field by either utilizing a burn down herbicide or tillage to control weeds early.
  • Use Roundup Ready technology as the foundation of a total weed management program.
  • Add other herbicides or cultural practices where appropriate as part of the Roundup Ready cropping system.
  • Use the right herbicide rate at the right time.
  • Control weeds throughout the season and reduce the weed seed bank.
  • Rotation to other Roundup Ready crops will add opportunities for introduction of other modes of action.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Understanding The Difference Between Glufosinate And Glyphosate

University of Illlinois Extension Weed Specialist Aaron Hager cautions farmers to know the differences between glufosinate and glyphosate.

When glyphosate-resistant soybean came on the market a few years ago, many believed it was unlikely that another herbicide or herbicide-resistant crop would be needed again, Hager said. However, over time, farmers saw more and more glyphosate-resistant weed species popping up but no new herbicide active ingredients coming into the marketplace to control them.

"Resistance evolves in weeds through repeated applications of the same type of herbicide," Hager said. "The once-perceived invincibility of glyphosate has been tempered by the realities imposed by the diversity of our Illinois cropping systems. New weed management practices are needed to manage the consequences of long-term weed control."

One new herbicide-resistant variety, glufosinate-resistant soybean, became commercially available in 2009. Glufosinate, another non-selective herbicide, is sold under the trade name Ignite.

And while glyphosate and glufosinate may sound alike and share certain similarities as they provide broad-spectrum weed control, lack soil-residual activity, and require herbicide-resistant crops for in-crop applications, they should not be used interchangeably.

"Significant differences exist between these two popular herbicides that require deeper understanding of how each one works," Hager said. "For example, in 2010 you would not want to spray glyphosate on glufosinate-resistant soybean, or glufosinate on glyphosate-resistant soybean."

Glufosinate inhibits a plant enzyme involved in the early steps of nitrogen assimilation. Its target site is completely different than glyphosate's. Because of this, glufosinate can control glyphosate-resistant weed populations such as waterhemp and marestail.

While their spectrum of control is comparable for several weed species, glufosinate tends to be more effective on annual broadleaf weeds than annual grasses, while glyphosate is more effective on grasses.

Glufosinate is a "contact" herbicide, in contrast to glyphosate being extensively translocated within the plant. Hager encourages farmers to utilize application parameters that provide for the best coverage of target weeds and consider environmental conditions that optimize glufosinate's performance.

For example, glufosinate performs better in bright sunshine and warm air temperatures. Due to its limited translocation, glufosinate should be applied when annual weeds are 6 inches tall or less.

"We can control large weeds with glyphosate," Hager said. "But we have to manage weeds with glufosinate. We need to think differently about how we apply it. Farmers may want to include soil-residual herbicides or spray glufosinate twice — early when the weeds are smaller because it needs contact with the whole plant and a second time due to waterhemp's late emergence."

Bayer Announces Ignite Herbicide Price Cuts - More LibertyLink Acreage For 2010?

In a move that could well encourage more growers to plant LibertyLink crops, Bayer today announced that it is cutting the price of Ignite, the broad spectrum herbicide applied on those varieties. Here's part of a press release from Bayer:

Bayer CropScience announced today a price cut on Ignite herbicide in time for the 2010 season. The company is reducing its price for the herbicide in the range of 20 percent — effective immediately.

“The use of Ignite herbicide and the LibertyLink trait is fundamental in preserving the utility of glyphosate and glyphosate-tolerant crops as a viable crop production tool,” said Andy Hurst, Bayer CropScience product manager for Ignite herbicide and LibertyLink.

“Growers want to avoid weed resistance yet maintain simple and efficient weed management,” Hurst explained. “The launch of LibertyLink in soybeans and new FiberMax® cotton varieties with the LibertyLink trait enable effective weed management combined with high yields.”

In corn, growers can take advantage of their Herculex®, SmartStax, and Agrisure hybrids with corn borer protection by choosing the cost-effective option of Ignite on those acres this year.

Additionally, Ignite is an effective burndown tool prior to emergence of glyphosate-tolerant crops. Ignite can be applied as a burndown treatment prior to planting or emergence of cotton, soybean, canola, corn or sugarbeet.

Bayer CropScience is fully committed to supplying Ignite herbicide to meet the demand as crop acres with the LibertyLink trait ramp up, said Hurst.

“The company has invested more than $150 million in expansion of Ignite manufacturing capacity to accommodate expected demand,” Hurst said. “In addition to seed and crop protection portfolios, Bayer CropScience will lead in the development and commercialization of next-generation herbicide-tolerant traits and other traits of value in soybeans, cotton, corn, canola and other crops.”