Work to Avoid Resistance with Liberty System

On Friday, we heard from Dr. Allen York, NC State Extension weed scientist about getting an early start on this season’s weed control. In spite of the warm, dry winter, York feels that weed control this year is going to be very much the same as last. But, when preparing for burndown application prior to planting, York suggests hedging against the possibility of a timely rain:
 

“Sometime, 21 to 30 days before planting is considered ideal, somewhere in that time frame in there, we should be putting out our burndown on this no-till cotton. And again, we like to have something in there residual to help us with the horse weed, but it also helps us with the Palmer….a lot.
In my opinion, you just about need, really need to have something such as Valor in that burndown program because of the insurance that it gives you against not getting timely rain right behind the planter. If we don’t’ get this Palmer before it comes up, we a lot of times don’t get it. And so, if we get caught there and the Palmer comes up before the rains activate the pre’s, then we’re up a creek. But, if we’ve got something such as Valor down as part of the burndown that will carry us a little ways into the season and it’s really a big help to hedge against not getting that rainfall.”
 

And after planting, York recommends another group of post-emerg products:
 

“And then we’re talking about more residuals behind the planter. And there’s several good options there; Reflex Direx, Reflex Cotaran, Reflex Staple, Direct Staple, a lot of things can go on there.”
 

The Liberty system has steadily gained in popularity since glyphosate resistance has become so prominent. York cautions those that are using the Liberty system:
 

“And we’re particularly make a strong effort to talk about resistance management with Liberty this year. So far, we don’t’ have any problems, but the way that some growers have been using it, and the potential we have to screw that thing up, if we’re not careful we may get into resistance with it. So, we’re really pushing hard, put your residual down, treat when that weed is small, make two applications and quit. Then, go back with your directed sprays.”
 

York cautions further that there is nothing in the research pipeline for glyphosate resistance, so special care with the Liberty system is a must.