As in the recent past, there are no new herbicide products with unique modes of action that will be registered for use in our area anytime soon. Otherwise, here are some newer product premixes, revised formulations of existing active ingredients, and tradenames to consider.

Glyphosate-resistant horseweed populations have become more widespread in the state and are now a significant management issue in western PA and the Northern Tier. In addition to glyphosate- or glyphosate and ALS-inhibitor resistance, horseweed is challenging to control because of variable emergence patterns.

While many herbicides have long cropping restrictions because they take a long time to break down, there are several herbicides that have a short half-life. Generally, herbicides like Sharpen (saflufenacil), 2-4D and Roundup products (glyphosate) break down fairly quickly in the soil and cause less problems with herbicide carryover.

Organic crop production doesn’t often go hand-in-hand with reduced tillage because of the need to use field cultivation to get rid of weeds. But Wolcott, Ind., grower Jason Federer is integrating reduced tillage with organic methods to improve soil health and buffer the environmental impacts of his 4,000-acre operation.