Post Emergent Weed Control in Sugar Beets

Identify the Weeds

• Several herbicides are approved for use as a post-emergent herbicide in sugar beets. No herbicide kills all weeds. The farmer needs to identify the weeds and determine which herbicide or herbicides are applicable in his circumstance. In some cases two or more chemicals can be mixed in the applicator tank and applied in a single application. In other cases the herbicides must be spread in separate applications.

Common Chemicals

• State agriculture departments license chemicals for use in their states so the chemicals available vary from state to state. Some common commercial chemicals include active ingredients such as clopyralid pyridinecrboxylic acid, glyphosate or flumetsulam. These chemicals are sometimes available in different strengths or mixtures. In many cases the possession and application of these chemicals is limited to licensed professionals. Anyone applying farm chemicals should follow all manufacturers' instructions and practice all applicable personal and environmental safeguards.

Band Application

• Some producers choose to apply a narrow band of herbicides to sugar beets. This band is centered on the row of beets and leaves the area between the rows untreated. Weeds in the area between the rows are controlled by conventional cultivation. This system reduces chemical cost, although it requires two passes, one to apply chemicals and one to cultivate, through the field.

Repeat Application

• Post-emergent chemical applications kill weeds that have germinated and emerged from the ground. It has no effect on weeds that germinate after the initial application. Repeat chemical applications may be necessary until the sugar beet leaves grow enough to provide a complete canopy over the ground. At that point the shade provided by the leaf canopy prevents weed emergence.