While earlier-than-normal Spring-like temperatures create an opportunity for early planting, this also comes with its own set of challenges for corn growers, including earlier weed germination and growth plus the need for longer-lasting residual weed control.
Applying a strong residual herbicide early – before crop emergence – can prevent corn from emerging in the presence of weeds, which research from the University of Guelph, Ontario, has shown to cause rapid and irreversible yield loss.
“Even small weeds can consume up to $24 per acre in Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium1 and can remove one inch of water from the soil in just three days2,” said Shawn Hock, herbicide product lead with Syngenta. “As a result, growers need to be extra strategic in planning their herbicide application this year.”
Every year growers put a plan together ahead of time and try to predict what an average season will look like. But it’s important to be aware of how the season’s progressing and adjust the plan if needed.
“We’re seeing warmer weather earlier, which means weeds might be emerging earlier,” said Jeff Laufenberg, technical development lead with Syngenta. “Choosing a strong residual herbicide that will prevent weed competition all the way through crop canopy is the best thing we can do to protect yield potential.”
Storen corn herbicide is Syngenta’s latest residual corn herbicide innovation, and it earned an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of five stars during its first season on the market in 2024. Many reviews highlighted how Storen restored growers’ confidence in achieving consistent residual weed control in corn.
“Storen corn herbicide uses four powerful active ingredients to provide maximum residual performance that provides clean rows up to three weeks longer than other leading products,3” said Hock. “It takes 8-10 weeks for corn to reach canopy, meaning that Storen gives growers and their crop the best chance to reach the unofficial weed control ‘finish line.’”
Storen provided clean rows and clear results in this cornfield in Lincoln, IL. Date: 6/11/24. Rate: 2.1 qt./A.
Storen also offers post-emergence application flexibility if needed, which is helpful when Mother Nature throws her curveballs.
“Storen can be applied from 28 days preplant up to V8 corn,” says Laufenberg. “That means if weather keeps us out of the field and we find ourselves in a post application situation we can keep the same product and adjust it a bit without having to take it back, which can be really hard from a logistical standpoint.”
Don’t wait for weeds to make their appearance this season; apply a residual corn herbicide before crop emergence to give corn the strongest start possible.
1Weed Nutrient Uptake Source: Approximately 20 Syngenta Learning Center Research locations between 2006-2008. Nutrients measured from samples taken from weeds 1-2” and 2-4” in height. Analysis completed by Midwest Labs, Omaha, NE. Period from weed emergence to removal at 1-2” in height was 10 days and 2-4” in height was 20 days.
22006 Syngenta trials: York, NE.
3Storen length-of-control advantage based on 2022 Syngenta and university-replicated trials comparing Storen to Resicore® and TriVolt®.
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Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations.
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