In early July, IP soybean growers aren’t typically thinking about weed control. But when it comes to nightshade, growers need to be diligent and watch for late flushes that could compromise the quality of food grade export markets, explains Huron Commodities agronomist Wayne Wheeler.
In this episode of Real Agriculture Soybean School, Wheeler explains that nightshade tends to be a late germinator.
“Watch out for that late flush because a lot of the time it doesn’t come until late June. It tends to show up more on sandier ground and high organic matter soils.”
If the flush goes unnoticed, the plant will produce berries that rupture during combining and stain beans, leaving them unfit for export markets.
Wheeler says growers need to act quickly after late flushes are identified.
“It’s important to take action before first flower because your chemical choices become limited. Some products will cause flowers to abort if sprayed at flowering.”
Need help identifying nightshade in your fields? Check out these identification tips from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs weed control specialist Mike Cowbrough.
Click here for more Soybean School episodes.
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