When it comes to keeping cows well-fed throughout the year, with all the nutritional value they need, maize is critical for many farmers, and that means protecting newly-sown crops is equally important.
That’s the advice from Pukekohe-based Technical Sales Representative Mel Leefe, who says the right weed and pest control programme for maize supports high yields and improved feed quality.
That in turn ensures farmers have feed on hand when they need it, whether it’s to help drought-proof their system in summer and autumn, allow them to winter milk or to supplement cows during wet weather.
Pre-emergence weed control is always the foundation of a successful crop, because weeds can permanently suppress yields from as little as four weeks after the seed is sown.
Mel says Roustabout® 840, applied to bare soil within seven days of the last cultivation, is widely used by her clients to get crops off to the best possible start.
“Roustabout® is our key product for pre-emergence weed control because it contains a safener. This protects the maize from any deformity while the herbicide gets to work on most of the weeds before they even emerge,” she says.
Roustabout® controls a wide range of annual broadleaf and grass weeds for up to 10 weeks.
It can be tank-mixed with Nu-Trazine™ 900DF in cases of high broadleaf weed pressure, especially from willow weed or fathen.
“After germination, we walk the crop to check whether it needs a post emergence spray for the best rate of success,” Mel says.
Weeds are not the only issue to watch for at this stage; insect pests like cutworm can also be a risk.
Perennial and annual grass weeds are best dealt with using Latro® WG. Where broadleaf weeds are also present, Latro® WG in a mix with Primiera® 480 and Bonza® Gold has proved very successful in protecting maize yields, especially from problem weeds like black nightshade, fathen, yellow bristle grass and velvet leaf.
Farmers should aim to apply this mix, where necessary, before maize plants reach 50 cm high to avoid crop injury.
Other post emergence herbicide options include Emblem® Flo and Archer® 750; consult your TSR for more advice about what products might best suit your crop and your conditions.
As for insect pests, Mel says the synthetic pyrethroid insecticide Kaiso® WG, applied as soon as damage occurs, controls cutworm while Chlorpyrifos 500EC is recommended for army worm and corn earworm.
Your TSR can help you get the best out of this season’s maize crops – talk to them about your crops today.