The following exclusive WinField United products are available at Shur-Gro Farm Services, Munro Farm Supplies and South East Seeds:

Ascend SL™

 Product Type:  Ascend SL is a (soluble liquid) plant growth regulator (PGR) that contains an optimal combination of 3 plant growth regulators, which can result in vigorous early plant germination and emergence, a robust root system, and larger leaves and wider stems to help increase yield.  Ascend SL can be used as a seed treatment, in-furrow or as a foliar application.  Application can be made by ground or air.

Active ingredients:  Proprietary blend of cytokinin 0.090%, gibberellic acid 0.030% and indolebutyric acid 0.045%.  This combination of plant growth regulators promotes cell division and elongation in leaves and stems as well as vigorous root formation and elongation.

Use Rate:  Registered crops include alfalfa, canola, cereals, corn, dry beans and peas, soybeans and sunflowers.  A typical foliar use rate is 100 ml/ac (95 ac/9.46 L jug) and may be applied multiple (2-3) times in most crops.  SRP = $6.30/ac per application.

As a seed treatment for wheat, 260 ml/100 kg of seed is recommended.  Each jug will treat 134 bu of wheat seed.  SRP = $4.45/bu.

As an in-furrow treatment for corn, 177 ml/ac is recommended.  Each jug will treat 54 ac of corn.  SRP = $11.00/ac.

HiActivate™

Product Type:  Non-ionic spreader/activator adjuvant in a low-foaming formulation.  For use with most post-emergent crop protection products to improve the properties of spray droplets for enhanced efficacy.

Active ingredients:  90% blend of glycerol, sodium xylene sulfonate and alkyl phenol ethoxylate.

Use Rate:  Average use rate is 1 litre/100 US gallons or 0.25% v/v.  One 9.46 litre jug will treat 1000 US gallons of water.  SRP = $1.50/ac for 10 US gpa.

InterLock®

 Product Type:  Crop-based adjuvant that improves spray droplet coverage and helps droplets stay on target.  InterLock reduces the amount of fine particles in the spray pattern which helps to improve canopy penetration and reduce drift and evaporation of spray droplets. Works effectively with herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, dessicants and defoliants.

Active ingredients:  100% modified vegetable oil, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, vegetable oil.

Use Rate:  As a deposition aid, one 9.46 L jug will treat 80-160 acres, SRP = $1.10 – $2.20/ac.  For drift reduction, one jug will treat 53-80 acres, SRP = $2.20 – $3.30/ac.  Use higher rates of InterLock at higher pressures or increased spray volume (within the 5 to 25 US gpa range).

In 2016, Hugh Beckie, Scott Shirriff and Julia Leeson of Agriculture Canada led a field survey of Manitoba to determine the incidence of weed resistance.  In late summer of that year, 150 randomly-selected fields were surveyed throughout Manitoba.  Before harvest, mature seeds from all residual weed species were sampled and subsequently plants were tested with Group 1 or 2 herbicides.  Survey results indicated:

• 68% of fields had a herbicide-resistant (HR) weed, this compared with 48% in 2008 and 32% in 2002
• 78% of fields had Group 1 resistant wild oats
• 43% of fields had Group 2 resistant wild oats
• 42% of fields had Group 1 and 2 multiple-resistant wild oats

This trend is being driven by a lack of new herbicide chemistries in the last 30 years, so growers use the same tools to manage their weed issues.  The inevitable consequence is a rise in weed resistance incidence.  Growers are also advised to be wary of HR broadleaf weeds.  Resistant populations of kochia, cleavers and chickweed to Group 2 herbicides are common.  Another weed of concern is glyphosate-resistant kochia, with Manitoba reporting its first few cases.  In the U.S. Midwest and southern states, herbicide resistant issues with the pigweed complex (Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, redroot and smooth pigweed) are causing major production challenges.  Hugh Beckie states, “It’s probably the number one global focal point for resistance now.”

Hugh Beckie has developed a “Top 10” list of the best management practices (BMPs) to address weed resistance.  Adopting these BMPs will improve weed control and slow the rate of weed resistance development:

• Crop diversity (rotation)
• Use competitive crops and practices that promote competitiveness
• Scout fields before and after herbicide applications, know your enemy
• Use multiple modes of action through herbicide mixtures and sequences
• Herbicide group rotation
• Rotate in-crop herbicide modes of action (selective mechanisms) in wheat
• Weed sanitation – border control, slow down the dispersal of HR weeds
• Site-specific (patch) weed management
• Strategic tillage – if, where, or when needed
• Accurate record-keeping of herbicides used and weeds present, invaluable reference

Please contact your local Shur-Gro, Munro, or South East Seeds agronomist to help plan an effective program to combat weed resistance.

Dennis Rogoza, Sales Agronomist

A well-planned crop rotation will help to keep soils and crops healthier.  It is key to sustainability and economic success on the farm.  Consider the following in building your crop rotation plan:

• Practise crop diversity. Rotations with cereals, oilseeds and pulses will improve soil characteristics and improve yield.
• Be aware of the growth habit of your crop such as rooting patterns and depth

• e.g. deep-rooted crops can access subsoil moisture and nutrients more effectively and may help improve soil drainage and aeration.

• Soil test to determine soil nutrient levels so that crops are fertilized for optimum performance. Use soil testing to ascertain parameters such as organic matter content, pH, carbonate and soluble salt levels as these can impact crop growth and herbicide rates.
• Consider soil biology. Certain crops such as pulses form strong associations with mycorrhizal fungi.  These fungi help crops access nutrients and water from the soil.  Planting pulses after a crop that supports mycorrhizae such as a cereal crop would be better than after canola which has weak mycorrhizal association.
• Crop rotation can be a valuable tool to reduce plant disease populations. Alternating cereal and broadleaf crops as well as following re-cropping recommendations will reduce spore count and reduce disease development. Resistant varieties and fungicide use will complement crop rotation to help manage disease.
• Know your weed spectrum and select crops that allow for the use of effective herbicides. More competitive crops should be considered for weedier fields.  Be mindful of potential volunteers from the previous crop which could present a unique weed challenge.  Be prepared with options for their control.
• Be careful with residual herbicides which may limit crop choices for your rotation. Check with herbicide manufacturers to determine recommendations for re-cropping options and timelines.  Rate of herbicide degradation can be influenced by rainfall and temperature, soil pH and organic matter, as well as degree of microbial activity.
• Choose a crop rotation which allows for herbicide rotation. Rotating herbicide groups and using multiple modes of action will help manage the development of resistance.  This is also true for fungicides and insecticides.
• Contact your local Shur-Gro and Munro sales agronomist for assistance in developing an effective crop rotation plan for your farm.

https://www.engageagro.com/productdtl.html?pid=59

Do you have a crop rotation that leads to lodging problems in your cereals?

Do you apply manure to your land?

Would you like to try pushing yields with more Nitrogen?

Call your local agronomist to find out more about how Manipulator would fit on your farm.

Dennis Rogoza, Sales Agronomist

As canola and soybean crops are harvested in fall, grower impressions of swathing and combining characteristics are fresh in mind.  Final yields and maturity differences will then usually make up a grower’s mind about a variety choice for the next growing season.  Of course, new varieties and specialty markets will also provide additional options for growers.  Here are some key factors to consider when booking your variety for next season:

Canola

• Canola production system i.e. Invigor, Roundup Ready or Clearfield. It’s a good idea to rotate systems to allow for the rotation of disease resistant genes as well as herbicide groups.
• Length of growing season and your projected seeding date to help manage maturity.
• Yield, review local variety plot results to see which varieties do best in your area.
• Disease package, are you looking for stronger blackleg, clubroot or sclerotinia resistance.
• Harvest management, does height and stature fit your needs, consider pod shatter reduction.

Soybeans

• Maturity, use measures such as crop heat units and days to maturity to guide you to varieties that have appropriate maturity dates for your area.
• Yield, consult seed guides and local variety comparison plots to lead you to those varieties with a proven track record for your area.
• Plant stature, bushy vs. erect varieties. Bushy ones generally fit row-cropping whereas erect ones fit best for solid-seeding.
• Pod-height, an important consideration to reduce harvest losses.
• IDC and phytophthora root rot ratings, choose appropriate varieties for your fields.
• High soluble salt (>0.8 mmho/cm) and carbonate (>1.7%) levels in your soil will impact soybean production, start with a soil test to guide your variety selection.

Please check with your local Shur-Gro and Munro sales agronomist to determine the best varieties for your fields.

by Dennis Rogoza, Sales Agronomist

The 2014-2015 Saskatchewan Weed Survey (Beckie et al, 2017) revealed a dramatic increase in wild oat resistance compared to the 2009 survey.  Fields with resistant wild oats increased from 35% to 65%.  Resistance to Group 1, Group 2, as well as Group 1 and 2 herbicides were all up significantly.  Growers should consider “herbicide layering” i.e. using a pre-emergent herbicide prior to an in-crop herbicide application to help manage herbicide resistance.  This program allows for multiple modes of action to be utilized.  In addition, pre-emergent weed control gets your crop off to a fast, clean start to help maximize yield potential.

Avadex Microactiv is a Group 8 granular pre-emergent herbicide that can be used for spring wheat, barley, and canary seed.  The product controls wild oats including Group 1 and Group 2 resistant biotypes.  Other benefits include reduction in early-season weed pressure and more flexibility with timing post-emergent herbicide application.  Avadex Microactiv can be applied in fall when soil temperature at a depth of 5 cm is 4 °C or less and within 3 weeks of soil freeze-up.  A single heavy harrow pass is sufficient incorporation in minimum or zero-till fields.

For canola or flax growers, Fortress Microactiv provides Group 3 and Group 8 pre-emergent activity for control of wild oats, green and yellow foxtail, as well as suppression of kochia, redroot pigweed, wild buckwheat, lamb’s quarters, and Russian thistle.  Fortress Microactiv can also be fall-applied with a single heavy harrow pass for incorporation in minimum or zero-till fields.

For soybean, field pea, edible bean, sunflower and canola growers, Edge Granular, a Group 3 pre-emergent herbicide will provide early weed removal and residual control of grassy and broadleaf weeds.  Edge Granular will control kochia, wild buckwheat, redroot pigweed, lamb’s quarters, cow cockle, barnyard grass, as well as green and yellow foxtails.  Weeds suppressed include wild oats, cleavers, hemp-nettle, lady’s-thumb, Russian thistle, and volunteer wheat and barley.  For zero or minimum-till, a surface application and light harrowing will provide optimum control.  Both spring and fall applications are registered.

Please visit with your local Shur-Gro or Munro agronomist to learn more about the advantages of pre-emergent weed control.

by Dennis Rogoza, Sales Agronomist

We would like to encourage our customers to book their fall soil testing early, so that we can get on fields right after combining.  Sampling at this time gives the best quality sample and the best data.

It was previously believed that additional N would be converted to nitrate in the fall, as grain straw decomposed.  We now know that because of the high carbon content of small grain straw, it takes a long time for straw N to convert to nitrate.  In reality, soil nitrate levels after small grain harvest are quite stable through the fall.  Sampling right after harvest will provide accurate soil N data to develop recommendations for next year’s crop.

Some other advantages for earlier sampling include:

• A more consistent sample core can be obtained before fall tillage. This will result in a more accurate analysis for P, K, Zn and % organic matter.
• Getting results back early to develop fall N fertilizer rates.
• Assessment of soluble salts and carbonates to guide field selection for soybeans.
• Ensuring fields get done and not missed due to weather issues in the fall.

Please call your local Shur-Gro or Munro Agronomist now, to book your fall soil tests “right behind the combine”.

by Dennis Rogoza, Sales Agronomist

With weed and disease control generally being completed on most fields, growers have an excellent opportunity to do some “Crop CSI”.  Field observations made at this time of year can help uncover any problems and direct future improvements to crop production strategies.  Some of the key areas to pay attention to include:

• Stand Establishment: Are your crops even and uniform?  If not, perhaps adjustment to seeding equipment may be required.  Possibly seed quality or not using a seed treatment is the issue.
• Fertility: Are there  yellowy streaks or areas of poor crop development?  Fertilizer application or rates may be in question.  Be sure to check for good nodulation in soybeans.
• Weed Control:  Have all herbicides performed well or are there escapes?  Do the escapes occur in patterns i.e. suggesting problems in application.  Get the escaping weeds identified, so that a better herbicide option can be used.  Check suspicious patches for development of weed resistance and make arrangements for seed collection to do a resistance test.  Make note of potential weeds that should be looked after in a pre-harvest application.  Keep fall timing in mind for post-harvest herbicides such as PrePass, Avadex, and Edge.
• Disease Control: Compare sprayed areas with any checks to verify level of control.  You may be able to detect fusarium head blight or sclerotinia symptoms especially in a bad disease year.  Be sure to check plant roots in suspicious areas for presence of root rots or clubroot.
• Insect Scouting: Summer months can bring unwanted guests to your fields such as Bertha armyworm, diamond-back moths, and lygus bugs in canola.  Soybeans may be threatened with aphids or spider mites.  Do regular checks to monitor for outbreaks.
• Varietal Performance: Keep notes on plant stature i.e. height, tendency to lodge, podding height.  Are there differences in susceptibility to disease?  These observations can help guide you with future varietal selection.

Remember to keep good records and notes of your field observations so that you can act upon the issues you have identified.  Good luck with your Crop CSI and please contact your local Shur-Gro or Munro agronomist for assistance with your investigations!

by Dennis Rogoza, Sales Agronomist

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is a challenge for growers because of the impact the disease can have on both yield and quality of cereal crops.  Good strides have been made incorporating genetic sources of resistance for wheat, with several MR (moderately resistant) varieties available.  FHB can survive on crop residues of corn and small-grain cereals such as wheat and barley, so avoid corn-wheat, wheat-wheat or barley-wheat rotations, and rotate to a non-susceptible crop.

Along with a good variety and rotation, make certain that your seed quality is high and treat with a fungicide seed treatment to control seed-borne diseases.  Fusarium-infected seed does not necessarily directly relate to FHB, but will affect seedling vigour, plant counts, and crop uniformity.  Treated seed of good quality will result in quicker emergence and a more even crop, so that fungicide application timing and disease control is enhanced.

The most susceptible stage for FHB infection in wheat is at the flowering stage.  Significant precipitation or humidity, temperatures between 16 and 32 C, and nighttime temperatures above 10 C will drive infection.  Infections can occur up to the soft dough stage, if conditions are favourable.  Late-season infections may contribute to high DON levels without plants exhibiting disease symptoms.  FHB risk maps are available from Manitoba Agriculture which rate the potential for disease development based upon weather conditions.  Remember to keep in mind your local conditions, as rainfall intensity can vary greatly.

Fungicide applications should be targeted at the early flowering stage of wheat.  Fungicides are only suppressive for FHB, so timing of application is critical and the best results are going to be obtained in combination with a more resistant variety of wheat.

Please contact your local Shur-Gro or Munro agronomist for assistance with staging your wheat crop for a FHB application.