The 2025 growing season is in full swing, and weed control remains a top concern for row crop producers. Experts at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are continuing to provide research-based recommendations to help farmers manage infestations and stay ahead of increasing herbicide resistance.
"When people think of weed control, the first thing that comes to mind is often our struggle with Palmer amaranth, better known as pigweed," says Larry Steckel, UT Extension weed specialist.
"Although some Palmer amaranth populations have evolved resistance to dicamba and 2,4D, Liberty frequently provides good control. However, spring rains have caused the weed to get out of hand, with infestations of Italian ryegrass and horseweed adding to the challenge."
If Palmer amaranth is already well-established in fields, Steckel says tillage before planting may be the best solution, as late-spring burndown herbicides such as paraquat will not eliminate large plants. If an area has a high risk of soil erosion, a tank mix of Liberty plus clethodim followed by paraquat a couple of days later is the preferred alternative. In instances where soybeans may emerge before the follow-up paraquat application, a tank mix of Liberty plus Enlist One is recommended instead.
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