Weed Spotlight: Giant Foxtail

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

Many fields in the Midwest have a mixture of giant, yellow and green foxtail. However, giant foxtail often emerges before planting and accounts for more yield loss than yellow or green foxtail at similar densities. In fact, this clumping summer annual grass ranks among the most problematic grass weeds across North America. Arm your customers with the information that follows to help them protect their yield potential before this pest escapes control.

Common name: Giant foxtail

Scientific name: Setaria faberi

Leaf shape: Long, thin and ovular with pointed ends

Flowers: Cylindrical seed head with bristles. The seed head is usually green in color, is 3 inches to 8 inches in length and often droops in an arch shape.

Reproduction: Seeds, germination occurs in spring

GIANT FOXTAIL FACTS

Giant foxtail is native to eastern Asia. It was introduced accidentally in the United States in the 1920s as a contaminant of other grain. Giant foxtail has since spread and can now be found in every state in the U.S.
It grows well in sandy to loamy soils and disturbed areas and is a notable issue in the Corn Belt. • Giant foxtail plants can grow up to 7 feet tall.²
For spring-germinating giant foxtail, flowering generally starts mid-summer. It often keeps flowering and producing seed until cold weather arrives.
On average, when competing with corn and soybeans, a single giant foxtail seedhead produces around 1,500 seeds.
The emergence period is long, and seeds can emerge from soil depths of less than 1 inch.
Common seed dispersal occurs via contamination in seed grain, birds, irrigation water and humans with farm machinery.
Seed viability length in soil depends on the type of soil management. In tilled soil, testing has shown few survivors after two years and no survivors after three years of burial.
Weedscience.org lists herbicide-resistant giant foxtail in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. This weed has shown resistance to Groups 1, 2 and 5 herbicides.

CONTROL TIPS

Tillage – Manipulating the timing and depth of tillage can influence emergence and help manage giant foxtail because giant foxtail germinates on or near the soil surface.
Cover crops – Weed density and competitiveness may be reduced by planting cover crops. Research in no-till soybeans indicated moderate to heavy cover crop residue reduced foxtail species density by 85%.³
Crop rotation – Rotating to alfalfa for two years has been shown to deplete the weed seed bank and reduce giant foxtail density.
Herbicides – An important tool in the fight against giant foxtail, herbicides should be applied when the plants are small for maximum effectiveness. Apply a residual herbicide at planting along with a timely postemergence application that includes a soil residual herbicide. Postemergence applications should be done early, as it’s easiest to control the weed before it’s 4 inches tall.
Program approach – A program approach to weed control with multiple modes of action is recommended in controlling giant foxtail.

Giant foxtail can be a giant problem, but it doesn’t have to be. As a licensee, you can partner with your local Corteva Agriscience account manager to identify the most effective products and practices to share with your customers and help them ensure top control of giant foxtail and other problem weeds in your area.

Article Link

¹ “Giant Foxtail,” Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Weeds, Accessed January 13, 2026, https://www.canr.msu.edu/weeds/extension/giant-foxtail.
² Sharon Clay, “Identification of South Dakota Grass and Grass-Like Weeds of Importance,” SDSU Extension iGrow Soybean Best Management Practices, 2019, https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2020-03/S-0004-30-Soybean.pdf.
³ C. Rankrape et al., “Giant Foxtail,” GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds), 2025, https://growiwm.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Giant-Foxtail-Factsheet.pdf.

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2026 Corteva. 034058 LC (03/26)

On the Frontlines: Battling Red Crown Rot in Soybeans

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

Red crown rot (RCR), a fungal disease of soybeans, has been a yield-reducing threat in the southern U.S. for decades. Recently, however, alarms have been sounding in the Midwest as it bears down on northern fields with both breadth and speed of movement. In 2018, RCR was confirmed in Illinois, later spreading to Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri. Illustrating the disease’s troubling expansion, three new states — Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin — confirmed their first cases just this past year. The methods of its spread in the Midwest aren’t completely understood, though it’s theorized that the exchange of used equipment containing contaminated soil has sped up the process. With possible yield losses ranging from 25% to 70% and no known rescue treatments, one thing is certain — RCR demands serious attention.¹

Red crown rot in soybeans is best identified by its perithecia — the characteristic tiny red balls — that form on the crown and stem of the plant near the soil line.

Spotting the threat: Symptoms and confirmation

Farmers can identify RCR by its signature tiny, red, ball-shaped fungal structures, called perithecia, that form on the plant crown and roots, giving off a scarlet appearance. Under wet conditions, these perithecia can reach above the soil line on the stem. White, thread-like filaments called hyphae may also grow on an infected plant, and the pith of the crown may look grayish in color. This stealthy, soilborne threat deteriorates the stem and roots, meaning RCR infection often goes undetected until after the R3 stage when plant leaves yellow and wilt. In severe cases, plants wilt and die prematurely while the leaves remain attached. However, root and stem rot can occur without affecting leaf appearance at all, making it tough to spot. RCR often shows up in the field on single plants or in small, infected patches spaced randomly throughout the field. Soybeans with severe root rot can be easily pulled up, and they may be infected by more than one pathogen.

Misidentification of RCR may hinder efforts to control it. Not only do its telltale leaf symptoms often “hide” until later in the plant’s life, but when they do show, they mimic the look of sudden death syndrome (SDS). In addition, other factors can cause reddish stem discoloration of soybeans. “Eyeballing it” from a distance won’t do the job. The plant’s crown and roots must be examined closely to confirm the presence of the fungus.

Resembling SDS, red crown rot causes interveinal chlorosis — a yellowing pattern of the leaves with the veins remaining green. Necrosis follows. Stem and crown inspection are needed to correctly identify the cause.

Tracking the danger: Infection and spread

RCR favors warm, wet conditions, with the disease preferring soil temps between approximately 77°F and 86°F. Wet conditions following planting encourage its growth, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Severity of infection can increase with the presence of pathogenic nematodes which damage plant roots, providing the fungus with additional entry points. RCR overwinters in the soil as microsclerotia — capable of surviving several years in the absence of a host crop. Microsclerotia spread via plant debris and infected soil, often transported by wind, on farming equipment or on livestock. Secondary spreading can occur during the growing season via spores ejected from the fungus and distributed during rains by runoff and splashing.

Battling back: Management strategies

RCR is a formidable foe, especially since rescue treatments don’t exist. Current management techniques focus on reducing the opportunities for RCR to take hold. Avoiding late-planted and double crop soybeans is one tactic, since warmer earlygrowth soil temps during these situations can increase the possibility for RCR infection. Rotating crops helps diminish the microsclerotia load in the soil, while appropriate soil drainage can decrease the possibility of infection. Another method focuses on controlling pathogenic nematodes to help decrease the severity of RCR by using tools like Lumialza® nematicide seed treatment. A biological nematicide seed treatment, Lumialza protects against key crop-damaging nematodes for up to 80 days or longer. By creating a large, living bio-barrier of protection around an expanding area of root growth, Lumialza provides safe and effective protection to vulnerable seedlings through reduction of nematode injury and increased root biomass.

As red crown rot continues its expansion across the Midwest, proactive management remains your customers’ best defense. Integrating cultural practices like crop rotation and soil drainage with tools like Lumialza nematicide seed treatment can meaningfully lessen the disease’s impact. While there’s no cure-all for this disease, providing these strategies to your customers can help them protect stands and sustain their productivity.

¹ Rhonda Brooks, “Red Crown Rot Rising: What Every Soybean Grower Needs to Know For 2026,” Farm Journal AgWeb, November 18, 2025, https://www.agweb.com/news/crops/soybeans/red-crown-rotrising-what-every-soybean-grower-needs-know-2026

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™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies.

Lumialza® may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.

© 2026 Corteva. 034065 LC (05/26)

Corn Herbicide Mode of Action

What is Herbicide Mode of Action?

Mode of action (MOA) describes the biological process (e.g., photosynthesis) or enzyme (e.g., ALS, or acetolactate synthase) by which an herbicide controls a susceptible plant (weeds). Other examples of MOA might be a description of the injury seen on a susceptible plant. Currently, there are eight modes of action for the commonly used herbicides in field corn production. Within a specific MOA, there may be more than one chemical family, and these can vary slightly in their chemical composition. However, control of susceptible weeds is by the same process, and symptomology may also be similar.

Understanding Mode of Action vs Site of Action for an Herbicide

Mode of Action and Site of Action (SOA) are often used interchangeably; however, there are differences. As described earlier, MOA describes a process or enzyme by which an herbicide works, while SOA refers to the specific biochemical or biophysical process in the plant that the herbicide disrupts to interfere with plant growth.

The MOA for an herbicide can be found on the product’s label. Often herbicides are described as belonging to a numbered group, which refers to a specific MOA. Table 1 is a summary of the herbicide MOA, SOA, and the numbered classification of common corn herbicides.

Importance of Multiple Modes of Action in Managing Herbicide Resistance

Knowing and understanding each herbicide’s MOA is an important first step in proper herbicide selection, diagnosing injury symptoms, and developing a successful weed management system. Relying on a single herbicide MOA, especially over consecutive years, can place heavy selection pressure on weed populations and can potentially result in reduced herbicide efficacy or resistance. Eventually, individual weeds that are resistant can reproduce and may become the dominate weed species in that field. Rotating MOA herbicides is one strategy that can help prevent or delay the development of weed resistance. Another strategy is to use herbicide products, or a combination of products, with different and overlapping modes of action. One example of a pre-mix herbicide product containing three different modes of action is TriVolt™ herbicide. It contains products from herbicide groups 2, 15, and 27. Overlapping modes of action is the use of two or more products that can control certain weed species; however, they do it through different processes.

Herbicide-Modes-of-Action-Table

Mode of Action Details, by Group, for Herbicides Commonly Used in Field Corn

MOA: Amino Acid Synthesis Inhibitors (Groups 2 and 9)

Acetolactate synthase inhibitors comprise a large class of herbicides. There are five chemical families within this group, with three of them having products labeled for field corn (Table 2). They control a broad spectrum of weeds, may be soil-applied or post-emergent, and typically have residual soil activity. By inhibiting the ALS enzyme, the plant cannot synthesize certain amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins and are required for plant metabolism to function properly. Absorption is through the roots and leaves. It can be translocated in both the xylem and phloem to the SOA at the growing point.

Glyphosate is the only active ingredient in Group 9 (Table 3). It is readily absorbed by the leaves and translocated via the phloem to the growing point. Glyphosate inhibits the EPSPS (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) enzyme which is used in the synthesis of three amino acids that are required by the plant for cell wall production. It is a non-selective herbicide with extremely limited soil activity.

Group-2-ALS-Inhibitors-Table

MOA: Growth Regulators (Groups 4 and 19)

Synthetic auxins are used primarily for broadleaf weed control. There are five chemical families in Group 4 with three having products labeled for field corn (Table 4). They are absorbed through the leaves and roots and can be translocated through both the xylem and phloem. They are called growth regulators because they mimic the natural plant growth hormone auxin, which upsets the normal hormone balance within the susceptible plant. Applications can be made pre-plant, pre-emergent, or post-emergent.

Group 19, auxin transport inhibitor, is comprised of one chemical family that disrupts the movement of auxin out of the plant cell at the growing point. When combined with a synthetic auxin such as dicamba, the herbicide can move into the cell but cannot move back out. Diflufenzopyr alone has very little herbicidal activity but enhances auxin containing herbicides when used in combination.

MOA: Photosynthetic Inhibitors (Group 5)

Group 5 consists of five chemical families with one, the triazine family, labeled for use in field corn (Table 6). Triazines are used to control broadleaf and some grass species. Typical application is soil-applied or early post-emergence and can be absorbed by roots or shoots. These herbicides inhibit photosynthesis by binding to a key protein within the plant cell structure which negatively affects processes and products necessary for the transport of chemical energy. Plants must be exposed to sunlight for this process to occur.

Group-5-Photosynthetic-Inhibitors

MOA: Nitrogen Metabolism Inhibitors (Group 10)

Group 10 has one chemical family with the active ingredient glufosinate that has broad spectrum weed control and no soil residual activity (Table 7). It inhibits the activity of the glutamine synthetase enzyme which the plant needs to convert ammonia to other nitrogen compounds. The result is an accumulation of ammonia, which along with decreased glutamine levels destroys plant cells and directly inhibits photosynthetic reactions.

Group-10-Glutamine-Synthetase-Inhibitors

MOA: Pigment Inhibitors (Group 27)

Group 27 herbicides inhibit chlorophyll production in the leaves by inhibiting the production of the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). Foliage on susceptible plants turns white, becomes bleached, and eventually die due to a buildup of certain molecules that destroy cell membranes. Three of the four chemical families within group 27 have active ingredients that are labeled for use in field corn (Table 8).

Group-27-HPPD-Inhibitors

MOA: Cell Membrane Disrupters (Group 14)

Group 14 herbicides inhibit the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), which is needed for chlorophyll synthesis. The group consists of three chemical families of which two are labeled for corn (Table 9). PPO inhibitor herbicides quickly form highly reactive compounds in the plants that rupture cell membranes and cause fluid to leak out. They provide selective control of broadleaf weed species. Thorough spray coverage is important for good weed control. These products do not translocate to the roots, so they lack long term control of perennial weed species.

Group-14-PPO-Inhibitors

MOA: Seedling Shoot Growth Inhibitors (Group 15)

VLCFA herbicides affect susceptible weeds before emergence but do not inhibit germination or control emerged weeds. The usual application timing is pre-emergence. The primary site of absorption for broadleaf and grass species are the roots and shoots, respectively. Enzymes needed for seedling growth are targeted by these compounds. They are not readily translocated within the plant. There are five chemical families in the group with two having labels for corn (Table 10).

Group-15-Very-Long-Chain-Fatty-Acid-Inhibitors

MOA: Seedling Root Growth Inhibitors (Group 3)

Group 3 herbicides consist of three chemical families of which one, the dinitroaniline (DNA) family is labeled for corn (Table 11). Dinitroaniline herbicides are usually applied pre-emergence to control annual grass and some broadleaf weeds. Absorption is through roots and shoots of emerging weed seedlings with germinating shoots being the primary site. Translocation is limited. These herbicides inhibit cell division in meristematic regions such as the growing points of stems and roots. Dinitroaniline herbicides are volatile and require incorporation through light tillage or irrigation.

Group-3-Microtubule-Assembly-Inhibitors

Article Link

Sources:
Armstrong, J. 2017. Herbicide how-to: Understanding herbicide mode of action. PSS-2778. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University. https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/print-publications/pss/herbicide-how-to-understanding-herbicide-mode-of-action-pss-2778.pdf

Timmerman, A., Nygren, A., VanDeWalle, B., Giesler, L., Seymour, R., Glewen, K., Shapiro, C., Jhala, A., and Treptow, D. Weeds: Mode of action. CROPWATCH. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soybean-management/weed-mode-action

Lancaster, S., Jugulam, M., and Jones, J.F. 2021. Herbicide mode of action. Publication C715. Kansas State University Research and Extension. https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/C715.pdf

Sprague, C. 2022. Herbicide classification. Take Action Herbicide-Resistance Management. United Soybean Board and Take Action partners. https://iwilltakeaction.com/uploads/files/62739-1-ta-hrm-classposter-update-17-425-fnl-hr-digital.pdf

Web sources verified 4-26-2023.

Legal statements ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Performance may vary, from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts of these conditions on the grower’s fields. TriVolt™ is a restricted use pesticide. Not all products are registered for use in all states and may be subject to use restrictions. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Check with your local dealer or representative for the product registration status in your state. Bayer, Bayer Cross and TriVolt™ are trademarks of Bayer Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www. BayerCropScience.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. ©2023 Bayer Group. All rights reserved. 1226_235701

2,4-D in Corn: Setting the Record Straight

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

As you’re talking to farmers about PowerCore® Enlist® corn, you may hear some common misconceptions about 2,4-D. The good news is these myths are pretty simple to clear up. This handy myth-busting guide can help you overcome objections in sales conversations and open more customers up to the opportunities of planting PowerCore Enlist corn.

Myth: You can’t spray 2,4-D past early post stage.

Reality: PowerCore Enlist corn is tolerant to 2,4-D choline in Enlist® herbicides, allowing you to spray up to 30” corn. (And if you’re using drop nozzles, up to 48” corn.) That’s a longer window than when using older forms of 2,4-D on corn without the Enlist® corn trait. Also, Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® herbicides are the only 2,4-D-containing herbicides that you can spray on PowerCore Enlist corn. Generic forms like 2,4-D amine and 2,4-D ester are not authorized.

Myth: 2,4-D injures emerged corn.

Reality: The Enlist trait in PowerCore Enlist corn confers robust tolerance to 2,4-D choline in Enlist herbicides. When used according to the label, there’s no risk of twisting, brittleness or brace root injury that you might have experienced with older forms of 2,4-D in non-Enlist corn.

Myth: 2,4-D isn’t as effective in burndown.

Reality: The burndown rate for traditional 2,4-D is 0.5 lb ae/A. The Enlist herbicide burndown rate is 1.0 lb. ae/A. This higher rate is much more effective.

Myth: You can’t spray a grass herbicide on corn.

Reality: PowerCore Enlist corn is tolerant to four herbicides: 2,4-D choline in Enlist herbicides, glyphosate, glufosinate and FOP herbicides. FOP tolerance in corn is a new development, allowing you to spray Assure® II herbicide to control grasses

Myth: Glufosinate doesn’t fit with corn.

Reality: The Enlist® weed control system allows you to diversify herbicide modes of action. In cases of resistant weeds, Enlist One herbicide plus glufosinate is one of the most effective post tank-mix solutions on the market to fight emerged waterhemp and pigweed.

Myth: Using 2,4-D in both soybeans and corn will only create resistance issues.

Reality: When used properly as part of a program approach, applying 2,4-D to corn is a tool to lessen resistance development to traditional corn herbicides. Sustainable programs are achievable. Enlist herbicide use recommendations always include residuals and incorporating multiple modes of action in post applications to reduce resistance risks and keep this technology working for the long term in both corn and soybeans.

¹ FulTime® NXT and Keystone® NXT are Restricted Use Pesticides. ² Not all FOP herbicides are labeled for use in Bt corn products with the Enlist® trait. Before use, review the product label to ensure the product is labeled for use on Bt corn with the Enlist® trait.

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™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. POWERCORE® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. POWERCORE® multi-event technology developed by Corteva Agriscience and Monsanto. Always follow IRM, grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Bt products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your seed representative for the registration status in your state. FulTime® NXT and Keystone® NXT are federally Restricted Use Pesticides. FulTime NXT, Keystone NXT, Kyro™, Realm® Q, Resicore®, Resicore® XL, SureStart® II and Surpass® NXT are not registered for sale or use in all states. FulTime NXT, Keystone NXT, Kyro, Resicore, Resicore XL, SureStart II and Surpass NXT are not available for sale, distribution or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties in the state of New York. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. ®Assure II is a trademark of AMVAC Chemical Corporation. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of BASF. ®Roundup and Roundup Ready are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. Always read and follow label directions

© 2024 Corteva

Breaking Down the Tar Spot Life Cycle

Tar spot is a foliar corn disease that has recently emerged as an economic concern for corn growers. Recent data shows corn growers losing 20-60 bu/A in locations with severe tar spot.1 Symptoms include black oval or circular lesions developing on the corn leaf, hence the name “tar spot.”

Tar Spot

Environmental factors that favor disease development include cool temperatures, high humidity, frequent cloudy days and 7+ hours of dew at night. Tar spot symptoms appear 14-21 days after infection, and spore production can continue if conditions stay favorable.

Tar Spot Graphic

After the growing season, the infected tissue dries and is returned to the field at harvest. The fungus then overwinters in infected corn residue and has been proven to survive for more than one year. Unfortunately, managing corn residue doesn’t eliminate the risk of tar spot. Spores can still come from neighboring fields or from fields counties away. When favorable conditions return during the next corn growing season, new spores are released, starting the tar spot cycle over again.

Tar Spot Life Cycle

You can limit yield loss from tar spot and other corn diseases by choosing disease-resistant corn varieties, scouting fields frequently throughout the growing season and applying a fungicide when environmental conditions favor disease development. Choose a fastacting fungicide such as Aproach® Prima fungicide to protect your yield from tar spot.

QR Code for Tar Spot life Cycle Video

ARTICLE LINK

1 Malvick, D., and D. Telenko. “Strategic Farming 2023: Corn tar spot: Distribution, development and management.” 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75lvA-RKtpg.
™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Aproach® Prima may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.
© 2024 Corteva.

How Biologicals Complement Traditional Solutions

Your customers may be skeptical of biological products — and understandably so. “Unfortunately, the biologicals market has been plagued with products using claims that aren’t backed up by science,” says Ron Geis, Market Development Specialist, Corteva Agriscience. “Farmers who feel that they were taken advantage of are much more guarded to try products in this space.”

So, why biologicals?

Naturally occurring biological products with proven performance make a valuable addition to a diverse set of farming practices — whether your customers’ practices are completely organic, mostly conventional or simply focused on what works best for their farms.

“Current farming practices have brought us to the point where 2% of the population feeds the other 98%,” Geis says. “We know current practices work well. Adding biological products can help us continue with our productivity trends in a more natural and sustainable fashion as we push for even greater food security.”

Coupling biologicals with traditional practices is a positive step in addressing some of the societal concerns around how food is produced while continuing to supply more food for a growing population. Biologicals work through different modes of action than traditional products, so using them can help reduce resistance and give conventional products a longer use life on the farm.

“Our current chemistries are quite effective, but continued use has historically led to resistance,” Geis says. “Biologicals provide another avenue of management that helps prolong the life of both traditional chemistries and new biological solutions.”

Making the most of biological investments

A better understanding of biologicals and adherence to best practices can help maximize biological investments. Biologicals are natural — and in many cases — living products, so proper handling and storage are critical.

“Each biological product is unique, and proper handling can be the difference between a moneymaking proposition or lost profit potential,” Geis says.

Encourage customers to read the label closely before deciding if a particular biological product is right for their operation. What are the storage temperature requirements? Does the biological require refrigeration? What is the shelf life? Are there any tank-mix limitations?

After proper handling and storage practices are considered, biologicals also can be coupled with traditional solutions for a comprehensive crop protection approach to increase yield potential.

“One example of where we find better ROI with our nitrogen-fixing product Utrisha® N nitrogen efficiency optimizer is when it is applied to acres that receive Instinct NXTGEN® or N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizers,” Geis says.

Instinct NXTGEN and N-Serve work below ground, maximizing nitrogen’s effectiveness with up to eight more weeks of availability in the soil.

Utrisha N is an alternative supplemental nitrogen source that can be tank-mixed with many crop protection products — such as fungicides and herbicides — to increase crop yield potential. By capturing nitrogen from the atmosphere for crops to use, Utrisha N can even replace part of the sidedress-applied nitrogen fertilizer requirements, particularly in areas where nitrogen loss is common due to issues like heavy rains or light, sandy soils.

See why this Illinois retailer recommends testing out a biological product such as Utrisha N.

It’s important to note that all Corteva Agriscience products go through years of testing to ensure they consistently deliver results. Corteva biologicals complement the products you already trust, working to enhance the success of your customers’ crops.

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™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Instinct NXTGEN®, N-Serve® and Utrisha® N are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions. © 2024 Corteva

Strong Starts Matter: How Surtain® Herbicide and Proteris™ Adjuvants Work Together in the Field

Early-season weed control sets the tone for the entire growing season. When weeds are controlled early and effectively, crops get the head start they need to compete, capture nutrients and protect yield potential. That’s why pairing the right adjuvant can make a meaningful difference.

Surtain® herbicide from BASF delivers powerful, long-lasting residual weed control in corn. When applied with Proteris™ adjuvants from Titan Pro, that performance is further supported by improved spray accuracy, better on-target deposition and reduced waste, helping you get the most from every application.

What Makes Surtain Herbicide Different
Surtain herbicide is an innovative residual solution designed to meet today’s weed management challenges. It combines two proven modes of action — saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) — into a first-of-its-kind technology.

This combination provides:
• Long-lasting residual control of tough grass and broadleaf weeds
• Flexible application timing from preemergence through early postemergence
• A non-HPPD option that helps manage resistance challenges

Surtain herbicide is built to protect fields early, when weeds are most vulnerable and competition can have the greatest impact on yield.

Why Adjuvants Matter More Than Ever
Even the best herbicide can only work if it reaches its intended target. That’s where adjuvants play a critical role.

Proteris adjuvants are designed around three core principles: Environmental Responsibility, Stewardship and Quality. Their role is simple but powerful: help crop protection products perform as intended, while reducing waste and off-target movement.

Adding an adjuvant can help enhance the efficacy of an active ingredient. If spray droplets drift, bounce or remain in the tank system, that investment is wasted — and so is some of your weed control potential.

The Advantage of Surtain + Proteris
When Surtain herbicide is applied with Proteris adjuvants, the goal is to maximize the value of the application.

Proteris adjuvants help applicators achieve:
• Improved droplet quality and spray accuracy, helping more product reach the target
• Better adhesion and absorption, allowing active ingredients to stick and stay where applied
• Reduced off-target drift and tank residual, minimizing waste and leftover product

This means more of the Surtain herbicide you load into the tank makes it out of the boom and onto the weeds where it’s needed most.

Protecting Performance and Your Investment
Residual herbicides like Surtain herbicide are designed to work over time. Ensuring that active ingredients are delivered efficiently at application helps preserve that residual performance throughout the season.

By pairing Surtain herbicide with Proteris adjuvants, growers can:
• Support consistent, early-season weed control
• Improve application efficiency
• Reduce product waste and off-target loss

It’s a practical approach to stewardship that protects both crop performance and input investment.

Start the Season Strong
Strong starts require the right combination of products and practices. Surtain herbicide delivers the residual control today’s fields demand, and Proteris adjuvants help ensure that performance isn’t left in the tank.

Talk with your Titan Pro representative to learn how Surtain herbicide and Proteris adjuvants can work together on your acres this season.

Field Facts: Lambsquarters

Common lambsquarters is an early emerging summer annual weed that is prevalent in the Midwest. The emergence timing and rapid growth make lambsquarters extremely competitive with soybeans. In fact, one plant per foot of row can reduce soybean yield by 25%.

Common names: Common lambsquarters, lambsquarters, white goosefoot
Scientific name: Chenopodium album L.
Cotyledons: Two, linear cotyledons on seedlings
Leaf shape: Triangle-shaped with toothed margins and white, grainy surface on mature plants
Stems: Vary in color from green to reddish, smooth and grooved in texture
Reproduction: Monoecious (having male and female attributes on the same plant)
Flowers: Small, gray-green flowers clustered at stem tips

Fast facts

Common lambsquarters is one of the earliest-emerging summer annual weeds. About 25% of the plants emerge prior to spring burndown applications or tillage. Peak emergence occurs in mid- to late spring with seeding typically in late summer into fall.
Lambsquarters grows quickly, with mature plants reaching up to 5 feet tall in the right conditions. The rapid growth leads to taller weeds earlier in the season, which can make effective herbicide control more difficult.
The average lambsquarters plant produces about 72,500 seeds, with some producing up to 176,000 seeds.
Seed dormancy in common lambsquarters contributes to its success as a weed. Under certain conditions, it can remain viable in the soil for several decades.
Since the early 1970s, common lambsquarters has evolved resistance to two different herbicide sites of action: ALS inhibitors (Group 2) and photosystem II inhibitors (Group 5). According to WeedScience.org, herbicide-resistant lambsquarters has been found in more than 20 states.

Control Tips

A weed control program approach using burndown, preemergence and postemergence herbicides with multiple modes of action and residual activity can help keep lambsquarters under control.
Encourage customers to start each spring with tillage and/or a burndown herbicide application.
Following the burndown, customers should use a program approach that includes preemergence and postemergence applications with multiple modes of action and residual activity.
- In corn, a good preemergence choice is SureStart® II herbicide followed by a timely postemergence application of Resicore® herbicide or Kyro™ herbicide.
- In soybeans, Sonic® herbicide is an excellent preemergence option and can be followed with EverpreX® herbicide for lambsquarters control on any soybean variety.
- For Enlist E3® soybeans, applying Sonic herbicide preemergence followed by a postemergence mix of Enlist One® herbicide and Liberty® herbicide can be a powerful program against lambsquarters.
- For Enlist® corn, applying a multiple MOA, acetochlorcontaining herbicide like SureStart II, Keystone® NXT, FulTime® NXT or Resicore preemergence followed by Enlist One and Kyro herbicide postemergence is a two-prong approach for excellent control of common lambsquarters.
- Note: The effectiveness of herbicides is often based on weed size. Ensure customers are spraying when weeds are less than 6 inches tall; and using full herbicide rates.
Farmers also can use cultural practices to help control lambsquarters:
- Planting in narrow rows and using higher seeding rates improve crop competitiveness with the weed.
- Planting later in the season and spring tillage are two practices that disrupt soil and help control young lambsquarters.
- Rotary hoeing can control lambsquarters when it’s under ¼ inch tall.
- Including small grains in crop rotation can keep the weed at bay.

ARTICLE LINK

1 United Soybean Board. “Common Lambsquarters.” Accessed July 25, 2024. https://iwilltakeaction.com/weeds/identification/common-lambsquarters.
2 Curran, Bill, Christy Sprague, Jeff Stachler, and Mark Loux. “Biology and Management of Common Lambsquarters.” Purdue Extension. Accessed July 25, 2024. Lambsquarters.pdf, 2007. https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/purdueweedscience/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/GWC11_Lambsquarters.pdf.

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. Following burndown, Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides with Colex-D® technology are the only herbicides containing 2,4-D that are authorized for preemergence and postemergence use with Enlist® crops. Consult Enlist® herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are not registered for use or sale in all states and counties; are not registered in AK, CA, CT, HI, ID, MA, ME, MT, NH, NV, OR, RI, UT, VT, WA and WY; and have additional subcounty restrictions in AL, GA, TN and TX, while existing county restrictions still remain in FL. All users must check “Bulletins Live! Two” no earlier than six months before using Enlist One or Enlist Duo. To obtain “Bulletins,” consult epa.gov/espp/, call 1-844-447-3813, or email ESPP@epa. gov. You must use the “Bulletin” valid for the month and state and county in which Enlist One or Enlist Duo are being applied. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency if you have questions about the registration status of Enlist® herbicides in your area. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW TO USE ANY PESTICIDE PRODUCT OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LABELING. ONLY USE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY LABELED FOR SUCH USE IN THE STATE OF APPLICATION. USE OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, 2,4-D-CONTAINING PRODUCTS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE WITH ENLIST CROPS, MAY RESULT IN OFF-TARGET DAMAGE TO SENSITIVE CROPS/AREAS AND/OR SUSCEPTIBLE PLANTS, IN ADDITION TO CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES. Additional product-specific stewardship requirements for Enlist crops, including the Enlist Product Use Guide, can be found at www.traitstewardship.com. EverpreX®, FulTime NXT, Keystone NXT, Kyro™, Resicore®, Sonic® and SureStart® II are not registered for sale or use in all states. FulTime NXT, Keystone NXT, Kyro, Resicore and SureStart II are not available for sale, distribution or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties in the state of New York. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Liberty® is a registered trademark of BASF. Always read and follow label directions. © 2024 Corteva

Biologicals: Help Plants Handle Environmental Stress

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

Stress is a part of life, even for plants. Almost every crop experiences some kind of stress during a season, be it insects, disease or weather. Advanced crop protection tools to minimize the impact of the first two have been available for a long time, but the third, the environment, has always been thought of as uncontrollable, until now. Environmental stressors, also referred to as abiotic stressors, are not derived from living organisms. They include environmental conditions such as temperature extremes of heat or cold, drought conditions and excess water.

Too hot? Too cold? The challenge of temperature

In addition to challenging germination and emergence, cold temps can delay or prolong maturity throughout the growing season. Too many cold periods and an early killing frost can cause a marked decrease in yield. High temperature stress, on the other hand, can directly impact corn by disrupting pollination and reducing photosynthesis. It can negatively affect corn yield by reducing kernel number and weight, while shortening the duration of grain fill. Reduced photosynthesis and the decline of leaf growth can be a problem with temperatures of 87°F and above. And while pollination issues due to heat stress are rare, at 95°F or higher, pollen and silk dryout can occur. Pollination failure can occur at 100°F or higher.

View of a stalk with silk balling due to unseasonably cool nighttime temperatures. If silks fail to emerge in a timely fashion pollination will not occur, resulting in unfilled ear tips.

A healthy, full corn ear with fully formed silks from proper pollination.

Biologicals can provide answers

Things are changing, though. Corteva Agriscience has created biological products that can help farmers fight environmental stressors. There are five primary plant hormones. Auxins, cytokinin, and gibberellin are growth hormones, whereas ethylene and abscisic acid are stress hormones. Corteva biologicals contain EPA registered, specially formulated combinations of growth hormones that can be applied to pre-stress condition plants. Take the temperature issue outlined above. Under ideal environmental conditions, a plant receives messages from signaling compounds, hormones, that tell it to expend energy on growth. However, these growth hormones change when a plant experiences excessive heat. In these cases, it no longer receives growth messages. Instead, signaling compounds tell the plant to limit its growth and development, thereby reducing yield potential. A foliar application of a biological product can help tip the scales in favor of the farmer. In such situations, the biological product can provide the growth-signaling messages needed during essential maturation periods, even in the face of heat stress. Biologicals can also help the plant improve nutrient uptake and use while under stress.

Additional benefits of biological products

Not just limited to heat issues, biologicals can assist in other ways. For instance, a foliar application of a biostimulant can improve plant productivity by enhancing photosynthesis. A biofungicide seed treatment can provide more pest protection and better resistance management. Marrying these natural tools with science, Corteva is able to further improve farm productivity and take yet another step toward providing farmers with proven, consistent performance

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Lumialza® may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.

© 2026 Corteva. 034065 LC (05/26)

Corn Herbicide Mode of Action

What is Herbicide Mode of Action?

Understanding Mode of Action vs Site of Action for an Herbicide

Importance of Multiple Modes of Action in Managing Herbicide Resistance

Mode of Action Details, by Group, for Herbicides Commonly Used in Field Corn

MOA: Amino Acid Synthesis Inhibitors (Groups 2 and 9)

MOA: Growth Regulators (Groups 4 and 19)

MOA: Photosynthetic Inhibitors (Group 5)

MOA: Nitrogen Metabolism Inhibitors (Group 10)

MOA: Pigment Inhibitors (Group 27)

MOA: Cell Membrane Disrupters (Group 14)

MOA: Seedling Shoot Growth Inhibitors (Group 15)

MOA: Seedling Root Growth Inhibitors (Group 3)

Lancaster, S., Jugulam, M., and Jones, J.F. 2021. Herbicide mode of action. Publication C715. Kansas State University Research and Extension. https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/C715.pdf

Sprague, C. 2022. Herbicide classification. Take Action Herbicide-Resistance Management. United Soybean Board and Take Action partners. https://iwilltakeaction.com/uploads/files/62739-1-ta-hrm-classposter-update-17-425-fnl-hr-digital.pdf

Web sources verified 4-26-2023.

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Field Facts: Lambsquarters

Fast facts

Control Tips

Biologicals: Help Plants Handle Environmental Stress

Too hot? Too cold? The challenge of temperature

View of a stalk with silk balling due to unseasonably cool nighttime temperatures. If silks fail to emerge in a timely fashion pollination will not occur, resulting in unfilled ear tips.

A healthy, full corn ear with fully formed silks from proper pollination.

Biologicals can provide answers

Additional benefits of biological products

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2024 Corteva. 023004 LC (12/24)