Future Paraquat Changes (Prostko)

Paraquat is the active ingredient in several popular herbicide formulations used in Georgia (Firestorm, Gramoxone, Helmquat, and Parazone).  It has multiple uses including preplant burndown applications, early-postemergence weed control in peanut, and as a soybean harvest-aid.  Paraquat registration has been under review by the EPA and many changes will be occurring in the very near future.  The main reason for these changes is that many people have died over the years from ingesting paraquat that was improperly stored in various types of containers (cans, plastic bottles, cups, etc.)   The following table of future changes was provided to me by Syngenta (the purveyors of Gramoxone) and these dates are subject to change:  

Cold Temperatures and Herbicides (Prostko)

     Growers who have sprayed certain POST systemic herbicides (i.e. Roundup, Poast, Select) over the last 15 days are likely to observe slower and/or reduced performance due to the cold weather.  When temperatures drop below 50 F, weird things start to happen because plant growth is stalled and physiological processes such as absorption and translocation are reduced.  In the past 15 days, most areas in Georgia had 10-11 days of temperatures below freezing (Figure 1).  Those temperatures are not very herbicide friendly.  Daily low temperatures are expected to be below freezing through Saturday night (Jan 20).  Growers with ants in their pants might want to wait until Sunday or later to resume any herbicide spraying that is needed. If a grower has already made an herbicide application during this cold snap, I would suggest that he/she evaluate the situation 10-14 days after treatment and re-treat if needed and if the label permits.

Chart Source:  UGA Environmental Network, accessed 01/16/18

Weed Control in Field Pea (Prostko)

      In some areas of our state, the poultry industry is encouraging growers to plant winter field peas for use as chicken feed.  Unfortunately, the UGA Weed Science Group has limited (i.e. no data) on herbicide use in this crop.  I have put together the following table of herbicides that are labeled for use in field pea.  However, there is no UGA research data supporting crop tolerance and/or weed efficacy.   My research counterparts are in the process of setting up field trials right now in Plains and Athens.  Will let you know how they turn out. (click on chart to make it larger).  

     Other herbicides such as Valor (flumioxazin) or Tricor (metribuzin) are registered for field pea use in other states but not in Georgia.  Since these are not labeled and we have no supporting data, it would not be a good idea use these!!!!