Pulses and weeds make a bad combination. The lack of in-crop herbicides can lead to a major train wreck if the necessary pre-seeding weed control hasn’t been carried out diligently.
Shaun Sharpe, a new Agriculture Canada research scientist in Saskatoon, says weeds and peas are one of the worst mixes with which to deal, especially when you have weeds that thumb their nose at Group 2 products.
“The main issue is herbicide-resistant weeds, especially with the Group 2 chemistry. A lot of that is holdover from canola rotations,” said Sharpe in a phone interview. He added that the lack of a post-emergent, in-crop application gives a grower few options.
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“There are a couple of pre-emergent products that do a good job with Group 14 plus Group 15 chemistry. And there’s a Group 1 product for grasses.”
Sharpe said Fierce is a soil active herbicide with impact on emerging spring broadleaf and grass weeds eight weeks after activation in pulses, soybeans and wheat. The Group 14 active ingredient is flumioxazin and the Group 15 active ingredient is pyroxasulfone.
Authority 480 is a Group 14 product that’s especially good for kochia control. It also targets redroot pigweed, lamb’s-quarters, cleavers and wild buckwheat. Sharpe says it provides protection for peas.
“The only concern I have with these products is they do need a bit of moisture to activate. But they are very strong on broadleaf weeds. The addition of Group 15 enhances the spectra so they catch more weeds. They won’t control wild oats, but the label does say they provide suppression.
“With lentils, same as with peas, you do need moisture to activate these chemistries. I recommend waiting until the weeds emerge and then do a burn off just before you plant. Mid-May is a good time for the burn off.
“The other option is to increase your seeding rate,” he said.
