Every spring, No-Till Farmer editors answer a number of telephone calls from readers seeking ideas about how to get wheat stubble under control prior to no-tilling corn. That’s why we were particularly interested in information received recently from Jim Martin, a weed scientist at the University of Kentucky.

“There are a few cases where wheat stands are poor and may not justify keeping the crop through grain harvest,” he says. “Some questions are being asked about killing wheat with the intention of no-tilling corn.”

Wheat Is Difficult To Control.

Martin says wheat in the jointing stage can sometimes prove difficult to control with Gramoxone Extra. While adding atrazine to the tankmix will improve control of wheat, Martin says rain is needed soon after application to ensure root uptake.

“Since Gramoxone Extra is a contact herbicide, good spray coverage will be essential to achieving optimum control of wheat,” adds Martin. “A minimum spray volume in the range of 15 to 20 gallons per acre will offer better control than using less spray volume.”

He’s found applying 2 pints per acre of Gramoxone Extra along with 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of active ingredient per acre of atrazine has provided affordable wheat control.

“Gramoxone Extra tends to offer more rapid control and degradation of wheat vegetation compared with Roundup Ultra and Touchdown,” says Martin. “Because of this type of response, Gramoxone Extra may be the preferred burndown herbicide when the temperature is under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Still Other Options.

Martin says Roundup…