Late Cotton Burndown Strategies

Apr 17, 2015

By Larry Steckel

With cotton planting just around the corner, some folks are interested in tankmixing a residual herbicide in with their burndown. The typical herbicides used for this purpose would be Sharpen (42 day plant back to cotton), Valor (30 days plant back to cotton) and Leadoff (30 days plant back to cotton) but these are no longer options as the plant back interval is too long.

One option this close to cotton planting would be diuron. I typically do not recommend diuron pre emergence in cotton due to injury concerns. However, applied 7 to 14 days before cotton planting it should be safe and would provide excellent and relatively inexpensive residual control of horseweed and pigweed.

The diuron rate would be 8 to 16 oz/A. Use the higher rate if you expect cotton planting for a particular field to be well into May. Unless cotton planting is delayed well into May the diuron should provide residual control until planting and therefore should reduce the likelihood that paraquat (Gramoxone) is needed pre emergence.

If you go with diuron as the residual in your burndown it will allow you to plant at anytime. However, be aware that diuron is in the same herbicide family as Cotoran and Caparol. Cotton injury could be severe if Cotoran and/or Caparol is/are used pre emergence following diuron applied in the burndown. This probability of injury would be higher if the diuron was not washed in with a rain prior to planting. Moreover injury would be more likely to occur if high rates of Cotoran and/or Caparol are used. The diuron label states to back off the Cotoran and Caparol rate if diuron was used early pre plant. This is good advice and should be followed. So if you were planning to use a 1.5 to 2 qts/A rate of Cotoran and/or Caparol consider backing the rate off to 24 to 32 oz/A if diuron was used pre plant.

The other option would be to forgo a residual in with the burndown. Then use Gramoxone at planting to remove any newly emerged weeds. This option provides the most flexibility if cotton planting gets late and one decides to go with another crop. However, if planting is delayed into late May there could be a real grown up mess to have to control before the crop emerges. As with all these type decisions hindsight will be 20-20.

Click here to see more...

Video: The new CLAAS ARION 6 CMATIC: Versatility, performance & comfort – in fields, on roads and in yards.

Hard work made truly comfortable? Challenge accepted. 💪

The new CLAAS ARION 6 CMATIC tractor combines continously variable CMATIC transmission, the CEBIS operating system and innovative assistance features to make every job easier and more efficient – in the field, on the road and around the yard. With its versatility, modern design and driver comfort, the ARION 6 CMATIC is the reliable farm tractor for everyday work.

👉 The highlights of the CLAAS ARION 6 CMATIC:

• Works anywhere – whether ploughing, transport or yard work, the ARION 6 CMATIC delivers across all jobs

• Continuously variable CMATIC transmission – smooth, fuel-efficient, powerful and always in the right speed range

• Assistance systems that make everyday work easier – you get out of the cab more relaxed at the end of the day

• Strong engine with plenty of power whenever it’s needed – you stay on top of every task

• High driving comfort, even on long days – supporting you so you can keep going when it counts

• Spacious cab with clear layout and good visibility – stay comfortable, avoid strain and keep everything in view

• Built for the future – in looks and in technology, a tractor ready for every challenge ahead

The new CLAAS ARION 6 CMATIC is more than a powerful tractor – it’s a reliable partner on your farm. It combines efficiency, comfort and innovation – making it a strong choice for contractors and farming businesses alike.With the ARION 6 CMATIC you add real comfort and versatility to your work – whether you’re in the field, hauling on the road or working around the yard.