Agronomy and Horticulture Department

 

Date of this Version

7-1-1988

Citation

Insect Science, Plant Disease, & Weed Science, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources 88(14) (July 1, 1988).

Comments

Copyright 1988 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

In This Issue:

  • Wiper and Bean Bar Applications
  • Lawn Care Under Stress Conditions
  • Dry Weather and Weed Control

Wiper and Bean Bar Applications

Wiper applicators are popular for controlling tall growing weeds in shorter crops. The weeds should be at least 10" taller than the crop. Roundup is the herbicide of choice for wiper applications in sorghum and soybeans. A conce~tration of 25% Roundup in water is used for control of broadleaf and grass weeds. Shattercane and volunteer corn are ve ry susceptible to Roundup. Roundup concentrations of 20% work well on these plants.

Lawn Care Under Stress Conditions

The heat and drought of the past few weeks has put stress on all plant materials. The best weed prevention in your lawn is to follow cultural practices that keep the lawn thick and healthy. water plays a very important part in growth and cooling of the plant through transpiration. To promote deeper rooting, it is best to water deeply and infrequently. Early morning is the best time to water since the air is relatively calm and evaporative loss is lower. Under extreme drought conditions, it may be necessary to let the turfgrass plant go into a temporary state of dormancy. If you've been irrigating regularly, the plant must go through a gradual hardening-off period with judicial fertilization (use of slow release fertilizers if required), more frequent mowing at a greater mowing height, and a reduction in water applied. Do not stop irrigating the plant all at once, or you may cause extensive plant and root damage. The plant I s system must have time to slow down and convert energy that was used for growth into carbohydrate reserves to use while it is in a dormant state.

Dry Weather and Weed Control

Crops as well as weeds are under stress in dry conditions. Cultivation or the application of an herbicide ·can add to the stress on the crop. With low weed numbers and stressed crops it may be better to tolerate a few weeds or remove them by hand rather than cultivating or spraying.

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