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Articles by Tom Barber
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Arkansas Cotton: Crop Nearing Finish Line, When to Start Defoliation
We are quickly approaching the finish line with this cotton crop. The hot dry summer moved cotton toward cutout quickly. Rainfall and a break in temperatures at the end of July and into August have given our crop second wind. This has made the determination of cutout more difficult. Determining cutout and when to start applying harvest aids are important and difficult decisions we must make.
Arkansas Rice: Rogue Herbicide Recommendations
Rogue (benzobicyclon) received a federal registration for 2022 and provides a new site-of-action (HPPD-inhibitor, bleacher) for use in rice. This herbicide has some great potential benefits, but there are some specific practices we need to follow to truly maximize its effectiveness. Let’s take a more in-depth look at Rogue, what it’s best used for and where, and other recommendations we have for its use. What does Rogue control?
Arkansas Sorghum: Harvest Aids - Products and Application
As we approach grain sorghum harvest, many are considering using a harvest aid. There are pros and cons to using a harvest aid. The greatest benefits are that they can dry down green plant and or weed material to allow quicker, more efficient harvest. Harvest aids can also shut down the plant and prevent late sucker head development which sometimes can cause harvest issues, especially if sucker heads are allowed to form late maturing grain.
Arkansas Rice: Pennsylvania Smartweed Confirmed as ALS-Inhibitor-Resistant
Smartweed species (Persicaria spp.) have been reported as important weeds to manage in Midsouth rice acres. Acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides have become the go-to options for successfully managing these species postemergence in rice. The heavy reliance on ALS-inhibitor chemistries for smartweed control in rice resulted in a population of Pennsylvania smartweed [Persicaria pensylvanica (L.) M. Gomez] from southeast Missouri being previously confirmed ALS-inhibitor-resistant.
Tankmix incompatibility problems reported with glyphosate, Sentris
Courtesy UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN • By Tommy Butts, Tom Barber and Jason Norsworthy • We’ve had several reports of applicators experiencing issues when tankmixing products with Engenia and the new volatility reducing agent (VRA) from BASF, Sentris. Applicators have stated that they are experiencing extreme amounts of foaming from the tank and even a few reports of enough pressure being generated to pop the lids off of their spray tank, specifically inductor tanks (Fig. 1). Fig. 1.
Cellulosic nanomaterial may help solve problem of herbicide drift
• By Fred Miller • Joseph Batta-Mpouma created a company to commercialize cellulosic nanoparticles for agricultural use. He developed the particles in his graduate research working with Division of Agriculture researcher Jin-Woo Kim and developed his business plan in an entrepreneur class — photo by Fred Miller Joseph Batta-Mpouma and Gurshagan Kandhola found a tiny solution to a big problem.
Tankmix incompatibility problems reported with glyphosate, Sentris
• By Tommy Butts, Tom Barber and Jason Norsworthy • We’ve had several reports of applicators experiencing issues when tankmixing products with Engenia and the new volatility reducing agent (VRA) from BASF, Sentris. Applicators have stated that they are experiencing extreme amounts of foaming from the tank and even a few reports of enough pressure being generated to pop the lids off of their spray tank, specifically inductor tanks (Fig. 1). Fig. 1.
Sentris and Glyphosate Tank-Mix Compatibility Problems
We’ve had several reports of applicators experiencing issues when tank-mixing products with Engenia and the new volatility reducing agent (VRA) from BASF, Sentris. Applicators have stated that they are experiencing extreme amounts of foaming from the tank and even a few reports of enough pressure being generated to pop the lids off of their spray tank, specifically inductor tanks (Fig. 1). Fig. 1.
Arkansas: Dicamba Rule Changes and Recommendations
On May 3rd, 2021, the Arkansas State Plant Board (ASPB) met and voted to alter the 2021 rules for over-the-top use of dicamba in soybean and cotton.
Arkansas Peanuts: Section 18 Approved for Brake Herbicide
A Section 18 Emergency Use Exemption label for Brake (fluridone) herbicide has been approved by EPA for applications from 14 days pre-plant to 36 hours after planting peanut in Arkansas. Rates of Brake for this application range from 12 – 16oz/A for control of multiple resistant Palmer amaranth as well as several other weed species.
Sentris and Glyphosate Tank-Mix Compatibility Problems
by Tommy Butts, Tom Barber, and Jason Norsworthy - May 19, 2021 We’ve had several reports of applicators experiencing issues when tank-mixing products with Engenia and the new volatility reducing agent (VRA) from BASF, Sentris. Applicators have stated that they are experiencing extreme amounts of foaming from the tank and even a few reports of enough pressure being generated to pop the lids off of their spray tank, specifically inductor tanks (Fig. 1). Fig. 1.
Section 18 Approved for Brake Herbicide in Peanut
by Tom Barber, Extension Weed Scientist - May 11, 2021 A Section 18 Emergency Use Exemption label for Brake (fluridone) herbicide has been approved by EPA for applications from 14 days pre-plant to 36 hours after planting peanut in Arkansas. Rates of Brake for this application range from 12 - 16oz/A for control of multiple resistant Palmer amaranth as well as several other weed species.
Arkansas Rice: Cattail Control
The past few years of increased rainfall and persistent wet conditions have resulted in some rice fields that haven’t dried out for multiple years. As a result, we’ve received some calls on problematic water-dependent weeds, specifically common cattail. Common cattail is a perennial, aquatic weed. Although it appears grass-like, it really is more like a bulrush. Common cattail is also characterized by large, creeping rhizomes which make this weed extremely troublesome to achieve long-term control.
Arkansas Rice: Switching POST Residual Herbicides to PRE
A lot of our focus in rice residual herbicide programs is placed on grass control, especially as barnyardgrass is consistently listed as the most problematic weed across Arkansas rice acres. However, other troublesome weeds like certain broadleaves (dayflower, smartweeds, hemp sesbania, etc.) and sedges can cause headaches for rice growers and consultants.
Arkansas: Glufosinate Resistant Palmer Pigweed Found
Last summer an article was written about two fields of concern in Mississippi County where three applications of glufosinate failed to control Palmer amaranth. Upon first observation of these fields, a familiar sinking feeling started to appear. These left-over pigweed plants were in only a few spots (Figure 1 ) across each field and appeared to be the result of seed from a surviving mother plant the year before.
Faulkner County Agriculture Update February 26, 2021
Arkansas Dicamba use Regulations for 2021 by Tom Barber, Extension Weed Scientist I have had several conversations with county agents, consultants, and growers over the last couple of weeks about what changes, if any, were made to the Arkansas State Plant Board dicamba use regulations for the 2021 season. The Arkansas State Plant Board met last December to discuss and vote on potential changes for dicamba application, specifically the May 25th cutoff date.
Faulkner County Agriculture Update February 19, 2021
Arkansas Palmer Amaranth Found Resistant to Field Rates of Glufosinate by Tom Barber, Jason Norsworthy and Tommy Butts - February 15, 2021 Last summer an article was written about two fields of concern in Mississippi County where three applications of glufosinate failed to control Palmer amaranth. Upon first observation of these fields, a familiar sinking feeling started to appear.
'Plague' mice in western NSW being caught in swimming pool skimmer box
Skip to navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer news, local-news, mice Like many around Western NSW, Martin Murray's property has been infested by mice. Mr Murray who lives between Armatree and Warren says he saw over 50 mice drown in his pool in one night. "It's pretty bad, we left the cover off the pool because we had an Australia Day function on Saturday night so we cleaned it all up and got it ready.
Tips for successful harvest prep, defoliation this season
• By Bill Robertson, Tom Barber and Jason Davis • Open boll — photo courtesy University of Arkansas We are quickly approaching the finish line with this cotton crop. We have a very good and uniform boll load. While hurricane Laura has changed the complexion of this crop, most believe yield projections are still very good. The abundant moisture situation from Laura has basically given our crop a second wind resulting in a very active plant with a tremendous potential for regrowth.
Arkansas Rice: UofA Asks Farmers to Share Weed Management Concerns
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture weed scientists would like your help in gathering weed management information and understanding your current weed management concerns in rice. Harvest is an excellent time to assess weed control escapes and reevaluate management strategies. We would appreciate you taking the time to complete a survey regarding your weed management concerns in rice.
Arkansas Cotton, Soybeans: Recent Pigweed Escapes Are Troubling
Over the last couple weeks I have had several conversations with consultants and growers about pigweed control. Many are concerned with the levels of postemergence control they are seeing in all technologies, but especially with glufosinate or Liberty. I have received several pictures of pigweed escapes following two or three Liberty applications in Northeast Arkansas.
Recent pigweed escapes are troubling
• By Tom Barber • Pigweed control following a 2% Liberty soaking application in Northeast Arkansas suspect field — photo by Tom Barber, University of Arkansas Over the last couple weeks I have had several conversations with consultants and growers about pigweed control. Many are concerned with the levels of postemergence control they are seeing in all technologies but especially with glufosinate or Liberty.
Arkansas Corn, Cotton: Marestail Control Options
Many calls coming in on marestail (horseweed) control this week, “what can I spray and plant immediately” or “It’s up with my crop now what”? The majority of Horseweed in Arkansas is resistant to glyphosate and has been since 2006. It is allelopathic to most crops grown in Arkansas and if left uncontrolled the first 8 weeks can cause significant yield losses. Large horseweed is very difficult to control.
Arkansas Rice: Start Clean, Use Residuals - Don’t Let Weeds See the Light of Day
Everything has officially greened up across the state (looks like I’m mowing our lawn soon), and rice is going in the ground. And although it’s a beautiful sight to see green lawns and trees, and Kelly tools, floats, and planters rolling, it also means weeds are in full swing. Ryegrass has been more troublesome this spring to get controlled, especially with all of the wet weather delaying timely applications.
Arkansas Soybeans: 2 Residuals PRE Better Than 1
There were lots of conversations last week about soybean herbicide programs and specifically which herbicides to use at planting before the weeds and crop emerge. Since the 2015 discovery of PPO-resistant Palmer amaranth in Arkansas, our herbicide options for pigweed control have been drastically reduced. By 2017 our recommendations for herbicide selection at planting changed from a Valor- (flumioxazin) or Authority- (sulfentrazone) based system to a metribuzin plus Group 15 (Dual Magnum) system.
Arkansas Corn: Don’t Lose Yield to Early Weed Pressure
Weed control in Arkansas corn production has become more and more difficult over the last several years with the onset of glyphosate-resistant pigweed, marestail, and ryegrass. Each of these weeds if not controlled prior to planting can rob corn of yield potential. To make matters worse, pigweed populations have been found resistant to 6 herbicide modes of action in at least one Northeast Arkansas County.
Arkansas Rice: Formulating A Burndown Plan
Young rice field at pre-flood. ©Debra L Ferguson We have received numerous calls and texts lately with questions about burndown herbicides and plant-back intervals. Although there is not much we can do about the rain (it will eventually stop), one thing we can do is be prepared and ready to roll when the weather clears. Regardless if early burndown programs were successful, there will likely be some weeds emerged by the time the fields dry out enough to plant.
Arkansas Rice, Corn: Herbicide Selection at Planting
I have had numerous calls and texts over the last week with questions about burndown herbicides and plant-back intervals. Although there is not much we can do about the rain (it will eventually stop), one thing we can do is be prepared and ready to roll when the weather clears. Regardless if early burndown programs were successful, there will likely be some weeds emerged by the time the fields dry out enough to plant.
At-planting herbicide selection for rice and corn acres
• By Tom Barber • Keep preplant intervals in mind when choosing a burndown herbicide program — photo courtesy Mississippi State University I have had numerous calls and texts over the past week with questions about burndown herbicides and plant-back intervals. Although there is not much we can do about the rain (it will eventually stop), one thing we can do is be prepared and ready to roll when the weather clears.
Hot off the press: Arkansas’ MP insect, disease and weed guides
The 2020 versions of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture publications on managing insects, weeds and plant diseases are now available online, through Cooperative Extension Service offices across the state, and, in one case, as a mobile-friendly website. MP44, “Recommended Chemicals for Weed and Brush Control”; MP144, “Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas”; and MP154, the “Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products Guide,” have all been updated for the new year.
Winter weed questions already?
• By Tom Barber • Clumps of ryegrass that escape glyphosate treatment are likely resistant to that herbicide — photo courtesy University of Arkansas The New Year is here, and with it comes new hope that this growing season will be much better than 2019. This year, we have already started in somewhat better shape (at least prior to the upcoming monsoon) with a much higher percentage of fields that are ready to plant.
Arkansas: Winter Weed Questions Already?
The New Year is here and with it comes new hope that this growing season will be much better than 2019. This year we have already started in somewhat better shape (at least prior to the upcoming monsoon) with a much higher percentage of fields that are ready to plant. With the warmer temperatures it is easy to see winter vegetation taking over in many fields, especially in the southern part of the state.
Arkansas Rice: Managing Stink Bugs in Late Fields, Weeds on Prevented Plant Ground
Application Timing for Rice Stink Bug in Late Rice Over the past week we have gotten multiple calls about some growers not wanting to spray for rice stink bug in their late rice. This is understandable, we have spent a lot of money this year already to get the crop to where it is. We should keep in mind that our late rice is going to have high rice stink bug populations, and that the higher these populations are the greater the chance of having ‘pecky’ rice.
Arkansas Rice: Early Yields Mixed; Don’t Drain Too Early
Rice harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography Harvest Progress Initial yield reports have been mixed. The general idea is that yields are down some from last year, which was expected considering that exceptional crop. Some lower yields have been encountered already, but those appear to be mostly due to difficulty managing some of this earliest rice. The cool, continued wet conditions early made it very difficult for rice growth and subsequent fertilization timing for rice planted really early.
EPA cancels 12 neonicotinoids
Effective May 20, the Environmental Protection Agency has cancelled registrations of 12 neonicotinoid insecticides based on voluntary requests from product registrants, according to a May 20 Federal Register notice. Under a December 2018 settlement agreement linked to an Endangered Species Act challenge by environmental groups, the companies voluntarily agreed to cancel 12 of 59 products that contain the active ingredients chlothianidin and thiamethoxan.
Metolachlor, herbicide traits and Weed Science webpage, oh my!
• By Tommy Butts and Tom Barber • Palmer pigweed is growing resistant to the herbicide active ingredient, metolachlor. There are two new Extension publications available from the Arkansas Weed Science team, FSA2185 – Metolachlor Herbicides: What are the Facts, and MP554 – Herbicide Resistance Traits: Quick Reference Guide.
It’s Past April 15, Which Dicamba Formulation Can I Spray?
• By Tom Barber • Photo courtesy Texas A&M AgriLife I have fielded several questions over the past week about dicamba regulations and what the rules “mean” and what can be sprayed etc. Most questions revolve around what is “legal to spray” after April 15 for pre-plant burndown, emerged corn, and Xtend soybean or cotton. I will admit the way the rules are written it is confusing to know which products actually can be used for these different situations.
Arkansas: Horseweed Making a Comeback... Again!
Horseweed (marestail) has always been an issue at spring burndown prior to planting. In the early 2000’s, it became a much bigger problem in the Southern US by developing resistance to glyphosate (Roundup). Horseweed can germinate and grow in a wide range of temperatures; it commonly emerges in the fall and spring months and depending on environmental conditions could germinate 10 months out of the year. Optimum high and low temperatures for horseweed germination are 75oF and 52oF, respectively.
MSU hires new irrigation specialist
Drew Gholson Mississippi State University has hired Drew Gholson as an assistant professor and the irrigation specialist with the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center and the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer Water Center. He began his new job April 1 and replaces Jason Krutz, who was promoted to lead the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute.
It’s B-A-C-K! Horseweed, that is
• By Tom Barber • Since the early 2000s, horseweed (mairstail) has become a much bigger problem in the South because it has developed resistance to glyphosate — photo courtesy University of Arkansas Horseweed (marestail) has always been an issue at spring burndown prior to planting. In the early 2000’s, it became a much bigger problem in the southern United States by developing resistance to glyphosate (Roundup).
Arkansas Corn: Removing Poor Stands for Replant
I am posting this within three days of the day I posted it last year. To say the least the weather patterns the last couple of springs have not been conducive for early corn planting and achieving acceptable stands. Judging by the number of calls I have received this morning, it looks like we will be re-planting some of the March and early April planted corn. The best plan may be to wait for 7 days and take another assessment of the corn stand.
Arkansas: Dicamba - It’s Past April 15, Which Formulation Can I Spray?
I have fielded several questions over the last week about dicamba regulations and what the rules “mean” and what can be sprayed etc. Most questions revolve around what is “legal to spray” after April 15 for pre-plant burndown, emerged corn, and Xtend soybean or cotton. I will admit the way the rules are written it is confusing to know which products actually can be used for these different situations.
Arkansas Rice: Rain, Rinse, Repeat
“Long as I remember the rain been coming down, clouds of mystery pouring confusion on the ground, good men through the ages trying to find the sun, and I wonder, still I wonder, who’ll stop the rain.” Could there be a better description of the current situation? I think not. Looking at the precipitation totals from September 2018 through February 2019, a number of stations are approaching the annual average rainfall in just that 5-month period.
Arkansas Rice: Acreage Debate Rages, Weather Uncooperative
Where Do We Go From Here? “Some like this, some like that, some don’t know, where it’s at.” We’re now just two weeks away from when the first rice fields usually go in the ground each year. More rain is forecast this weekend (less than previous estimates) followed by several days of freezing overnight lows, and rain again the next weekend. Oy… The acreage debate rages on for the 2019 season.
Arkansas Rice, Soybean Weed Management Survey
Palmer pigweed escape in soybeans. Photo by: Yanbo Huang, USDA-ARS, Stoneville, Mississippi University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture weed scientists would like your help in gathering production information and understanding weed management concerns in your rice and soybean crops. We would appreciate you taking the time to complete a survey regarding difficult-to-control weeds, current management practices, and weed management plans for the 2019 growing season.
Arkansas Rice: Loyant - What Have We Learned from Last Year?
Loyant is a Group 4 (auxin type) herbicide – basically it affects plant hormones and how the plant grows. When you are working with an auxin herbicide, environmental conditions before and after application can play a huge role in its performance. Loyant provides excellent control of a wide range of broadleaf weeds and annual sedges including ALS-resistant rice flatsedge.
Arkansas Cotton: Residuals Remain The Backbone Of Weed Control
Cotton acres are likely to increase this year, and I have talked to a couple that are growing cotton for the first time so it appears cotton is making a comeback! Several new technologies are available now that weren’t 5 years ago but regardless of the variety or technology planted, residuals for pigweed control will continue to be critical for success in cotton. Treflan or Prowl (yellow herbicides) incorporated were for many years what we started with for cotton weed control.
Corn Replant: Killing existing stands
Judging by the number of calls I have received this morning, it looks like we will be re-planting some of the March and early April planted corn. The best plan may be to wait for 7 days and take another assessment of the corn stand. This will also allow the existing corn stand to grow to a size easier to kill with herbicide. Corn plants in the spike stage are not that easy to control chemically for several reasons but the number one being coverage.
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