2024 was the last year of use for S-Metolachlor (S-Moc), a herbicide from the Chloroacetamide family and a major active ingredient in maize weed control strategies, particularly in situations with moderate to high grass pressure.
Technically interesting, these solutions provided excellent levels of effectiveness against grasses in a spring crop like maize. Therefore, there is a risk of reduced efficacy in maize weed control programs, as spring crops are agronomic levers in rotations to manage a number of weeds, including Ryegrass and Wild Oats, which are difficult to control in cereal crops.
The disappearance of S-Moc complicates weed population control, but it is still possible to diversify modes of action for successful weed management. Several strategies are possible depending on the field's context:
- The "All Pre-emergence" strategy: This should be favored in situations with rapid crop establishment or late sowing, to control low grass pressure and typical broadleaf weeds (such as Pigweed, Amaranth, etc.).
- The "Early Post-Emergence" strategy: Reserved for early sowing or in cases where pre-emergence application is not possible. Sometimes, a catch-up application is needed, especially if maize develops slowly. This strategy is ideal for fields with typical broadleaf weeds and low to moderate grass pressure.
- The "Pre-emergence followed by Post-Emergence" strategy: This adapts to many situations (low to high grass pressure and broadleaf weeds) and helps facilitate post-emergence applications by homogenizing the emergence of weeds after maize emergence.
- The "All Post-Emergence" strategy: To be used in situations with low to moderate grass pressure but can also be effective for more difficult broadleaf weed situations.
- Strategies combining one or more herbicide solutions in pre-emergence and/or early post-emergence followed by mechanical soil work: These strategies are adapted for situations without perennial weeds (such as Bindweed).
Albaugh® Clomazone can fully assist maize growers in finding an alternative to the S-Moc they used, in combination with other active ingredients that can be applied in maize pre-emergence.
Indeed, the results obtained from our trials show promising efficacy against grasses:
as well as broadleaf weeds such as Ragweed, Jimsonweed, and Knotweed.
See Episode No. 6 of Vincent's Field Notes on pre-emergence programs for maize.
Feel free to reach out to the Albaugh technical team to study and adapt your maize weed management strategy for the integration of Clomazone in a successful weed control program.
Albaugh—Your Alternative
