Skip to content
PodcastArkansas Row CropsApr 14, 2021

What New Challenges Are Soybean Farmers Facing with Weed Control?

Soybean farmers are grappling with increasing herbicide resistance and regulatory changes.

AI-generated source brief by USFarms.ag, based on Arkansas Row Crops. How our briefs are made

Source published Apr 14, 2021. Check the source date before applying seasonal guidance. Brief published .

weed controlherbicide resistancedicamba regulationscrop management

Source summary

What this podcast covered

The Dominance of Palmer Amaranth

Palmer amaranth has emerged as the leading weed issue in Arkansas soybean fields, with confirmed resistance to several herbicide classes. This resistance complicates management strategies and necessitates a shift towards more integrated weed control approaches.

Importance of Metribuzin

Metribuzin is emphasized as a foundational herbicide for pre-emergence applications due to its effectiveness and the absence of confirmed resistance. Farmers are encouraged to incorporate it into their weed management plans alongside other herbicides to enhance control.

Dicamba Regulations in Flux

The regulatory landscape for dicamba is currently uncertain, with potential changes being discussed that could revert to federal guidelines. Farmers must remain vigilant and prepared for shifts in application rules as the season progresses.

Key takeaways

5 things worth knowing

  1. 01

    Palmer amaranth is the primary weed concern in Arkansas soybean production.

  2. 02

    Resistance to multiple herbicide sites of action is widespread, complicating control efforts.

  3. 03

    Metribuzin remains a critical pre-emergence herbicide with no confirmed resistance yet.

  4. 04

    Dicamba regulations are currently under review, creating uncertainty for farmers.

  5. 05

    Mixing multiple herbicide modes of action is essential for effective weed management.

Source figures at a glance

At a glance

What the podcast covered, in 4 signals

Weeds

Growing Resistance

Palmer amaranth

Resistance confirmed to multiple herbicide sites of action.

Herbicides

Critical Options

Metribuzin

No confirmed resistance, essential for pre-emergence.

Regulations

Uncertain Future

Dicamba

Current rules under review, impacting application.

Management

Mixing Strategies

Herbicide Modes

Multiple modes of action recommended for effectiveness.

Questions & answers

Quick answers

What is the main weed issue for soybean farmers in Arkansas?

The primary weed concern is Palmer amaranth, which has developed resistance to multiple herbicide sites of action.

Why is metribuzin important for weed control?

Metribuzin is critical as a pre-emergence herbicide with no confirmed resistance, making it effective for managing pigweed.

What should farmers know about dicamba regulations?

Dicamba regulations are currently under review, and farmers must adhere to existing rules until any changes are officially implemented.

How can farmers manage herbicide resistance?

Farmers should mix multiple modes of action in their herbicide applications to combat resistance effectively.

What resources are available for updated weed control information?

Farmers can visit the University of Arkansas Extension website for the latest recommendations and research on weed control.

Weekly U.S. agriculture digest

Get the weekly U.S. agriculture digest

One email. Agriculture across the United States this week: interviews, the reviewed feed, and new farmland listings.

USFarms.ag organizes and summarizes public farmland, agriculture, and commodity-related information. Summaries may contain errors and should not be treated as financial, legal, agronomic, or real estate advice. Sensitive land-sale, rent, ownership, and parcel-specific information is intentionally excluded.