Corn Response to Postemergence Treatments

June 10, 2009
ICM News

By Bob Hartzler, Department of  Agronomy


Much of the state has experienced below normal temperatures along with wet soils the past few weeks.  These conditions not only slow the growth of corn, it also alters plant development. 


Corn is likely to be more responsive to herbicides under these conditions.  We are seeing an increased response to postemergence herbicides. This is likely due to changes in the cuticle that allow greater movement of chemicals from the leaf surface into the leaf. 


In some situations, the response appears to be primarily due to the additives in the spray mix rather than actual herbicide. Symptoms associated with additives (surfactants, AMS, etc.) include chlorotic mottling or necrosis of leaves, and are likely to be short-lived with no negative impact on crop development. Herbicides with a lower margin of crop safety are more likely to induce a negative response under these weather conditions. 


On the positive side, activity on weeds should be excellent.  In nearly all situations the risk of crop injury is less than the benefits achieved with timely weed control.


leaf burn


An example of non-specific leaf burn.


 


Bob Hartzler is a professor of weed science with extension, teaching and research responsibilities. He can be contacted by email at hartzler@iastate.edu or phone (515) 294-1164.

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on June 10, 2009. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.

Crop: