A better understanding of the biological processes of crops could help with spraying efficiency.

Crop biological clocks show spraying success affected by time of day

Researchers found that biological processes in plants can determine spray success

The most efficient use of herbicides depends on their timing relating to weather – but it also may depend on the biological clocks of the plants being sprayed. Research at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom showed that the amount of herbicide needed to affect a plant varied by time of day. “This […] Read more

Dry bean trials at the University of Guelph’s Huron Research Station.

Glyphosate out as dry bean desiccant

Bean buyers say that continuing the practice isn’t worth the market risk

The days of using glyphosate as a desiccant on dry beans are coming to an end. Canadian dealers of dry beans, such as white, cranberry, navy and pinto beans, have decided that glyphosate cannot be used at harvest starting with this year’s harvest, Derwyn Hodgins of Hensall Co-op, a major buyer of dry beans, told […] Read more

undissolved or unsuspended material can slowly plug sprayers, which can also happen when the farmer isn’t applying the correct rate.

Know your tank mixes to avoid incompatibilities with sprayers, products

Jar tests, reading the label and asking trusted advisors are good steps

Farmers need to know whether the products they’re putting into their sprayer tanks will get along or whether they risk plugged nozzles, crop injury and reduced weed control, provincial extension advisors warn. Mike Cowbrough, weed specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Jason Deveau, application technology with OMAFRA, suggest farmers […] Read more

E3 soybeans are expected to be available in Canada from Pioneer in 2020.

New option launched to manage resistant weeds in soybeans

Enlist E3 soybeans are resistant to multiple herbicides meaning more options to deal with weed issues

Ontario farmers will have more options to manage herbicide-resistant weeds with the launch of Enlist E3 soybeans in Canada. E3 soybeans are resistant to 2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides. That provides more flexibility when spraying fields that have resistant weeds, which are becoming an increasing problem in Ontario, especially when it comes to glyphosate. Why […] Read more

Each waterhemp plant can produce one million seeds, with some producing up to five million.

Glyphosate resistant waterhemp moving across Ontario

With its method of pollination and resistance abilities, the weed is becoming harder to control

Glyphosate-resistant waterhemp is now present in seven counties across Ontario. Huron, Wentworth and Haldimand are the three most recent counties where it was found, in addition to the previous Essex, Lambton, Chatham-Kent and Middlesex counties. Seeds were harvested harvested in fields in these counties last fall, planted in a greenhouse to overwinter and tested once […] Read more


Glyphosate is used as a burn down, but also in glyphosate-resistant crops.

Canada, France head in different directions on glyphosate

Health Canada says it stands by its earlier re-evaluation of the herbicide, finding it safe for labelled use

The Canadian federal health department says it continues to have no concerns about the safety of the glyphosate herbicide after it reviewed eight notices of objection received after it released its final re-evaluation decision on glyphosate in April 2017. The objections were filed with Health Canada in June and July that year by individuals and […] Read more

Peter Sikkema told edible bean growers that 2,4-D is a glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane control option, if the treatment is registered.

Edible bean growers could get more weed control options

Ridgetown College research shows that older chemistries can help control glyphosate-resistant weeds in strip till

When the Weed Society of America challenged its members to evaluate weed pressure on field crops, Peter Sikkema found that in Ontario edible beans were most challenged by weed pressure. “The crop I work on that is most affected by weed interference is dry beans,” the professor at University of Guelph’s Ridgetown campus said at […] Read more

Over 30 years, the active ingredient volume of herbicide applied on crops has declined in Ontario, mostly because glyphosate 
is applied at lower rates than the herbicides it replaces.

Glyphosate drives long-term herbicide changes

Ontario keeps track of detailed herbicide use every five years, which shows how the use of active ingredient has declined

A study of glyphosate use in Ontario shows the herbicide has created significant change in crop management. It shows that while corn and soybean acreage and yield have increased in the province since 1983, the impact of herbicide use per acre has declined, in large part because glyphosate has displaced other herbicide chemistries. Why it […] Read more


Kris McNaughton, right, is a research associate at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus.

Cover crops can be tricky to kill

Cover crops can be important tools to improve soils, but there’s no single control solution

Cover crops can do a lot for the soil, but keeping them from becoming covering weeds requires the right herbicides applied at the right rate — to kill them at the right time. What cover crop is used, too, should be appropriate for the job the farmer wants to accomplish. Why it matters: Cover crops […] Read more

Remember to clean the outside of the tanks and all equipment for residue.

Taking the dicamba cleanse

Experts remind growers to take an active approach to sprayer cleaning, and of the importance of ammonia in removing dicamba residues

The sensitivity of soybeans and other plants to dicamba — a volatile auxin-based herbicide employed in various forms since the 1960s — is extreme. Even trace amounts can cause significant damage to susceptible crops, meaning proper equipment cleaning is critical to avoiding unintended problems. Why it matters: Use of the herbicide will increase with the […] Read more