Published on 07/10/2024
Weeds compete for water, nutrients and light, which affects photosynthetic efficiency, dry matter production, crop health and yields. In addition, certain weeds can harbour pests and diseases that may contribute to yield loss.
Orion AgriScience is a leading supplier of maize crop protection products. With a focus on delivering practical and effective solutions to better meet the needs of the farming industry, Orion AgriScience products are designed for New Zealand and trusted to perform under local conditions.
With 23 herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide products registered for maize, Orion has the products New Zealand farmers and growers need to maintain their competitive edge.
Effective weed control begins before planting. A properly prepared seedbed can reduce weed problems and is a key factor in establishing a good maize crop.
Orion’s quality glyphosate products in combination with Silmaxx surfactant or penetrant pre-planting give extended grazing and lessen the time interval between the previous crop and this season’s maize crop.
Pre-emergence herbicides control weeds following germination and before they emerge. An effective pre-emergence herbicide programme provides weed control during the sensitive time of early crop establishment.
The Orion range includes products with five different modes of action to deliver pre-emergent control of both broadleaf and grass weeds in maize. They are:
• Ace (Acetochlor 840 g/litre)
• Asset (Terbuthylazine 500g/litre)
• Atraflow (Atrazine 500 g/litre)
• Charger (Metribuzin 750 g/kg)
• Chord (Thifensulfuron-methyl 750 g/kg)
• Corral (Alachlor 480 g/litre)
• Cutter/Cutter Safe (Acetochlor 840 g/litre and alpha-cypermethrin 6 g/litre)
• Dominator (Mesotrione 480g/litre)
• Guvnor Gold (S-metola-chlor 960 g/litre)
• Sylon (Acetochlor 840 g/litre)
Following germination post-emergence weed control is essential to prevent weeds from establishing and competing with the maize crop. Early herbicide application is important as weeds that emerge with the crop are more competitive than those that emerge after the maize has established.
The Orion range offers four different modes of action targeting broadleaf and grass weeds. Options are:
• Asset (Terbuthylazine 500g/litre)
• Atraflow (Atrazine 500 g/litre)
• Bandit (Dicamba 480 g/litre)
• Blast (Flumetsulam 800 g/kg)
• Dominator (Mesotrione 480 g/litre)
• Nico Ultra (Nicosulfuron 60 g/litre)
• Void (clopyralid 300 g/litre)
• Atragranz (Atrazine 900 g/kg)
Regular monitoring of the maize field is crucial for effective weed management. Early detection of weed problems allows for timely intervention. Keep track of any weed species present and their growth stages to choose the most appropriate control methods.
Weeds can harbour pests and diseases that may contribute to yield loss as well as encourage invertebrate pests such as slugs. Options include:
• Dusk slug bait (Iron complex 10 g/kg)
• Cypher (Alpha-cypermethrin 100 g/litre) and Chlor-P(Chlorpyrifos 480 g/litre) foliar applied insecticides
• Patrol (clothianidin 600 g/litre) and Acclaim (imidacloprid 600 g/litre) insecticidal seed treatments
• Manco (Mancozeb 750 g/kg) and Convoy (pyraclostrobin 250 g/litre) fungicides, which can be combined with their pre-and post-emergent herbicides to provide complete protection packages for maize.
Effective maize weed and pest control involves a combination of pre-planting preparation, strategic herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide use, and ongoing monitoring.
By adopting the Orion AgriScience range of maize products, farmers can minimise the impact of weeds and pests, enhance maize productivity, and improve quality and yield.
Article supplied by OrionAgriScience