Know how to get the most burndown from BASF burndown herbicides

As spring burndown applications get underway for no-till/minimum-fields, be sure to think about how Sharpen^® herbicide, Verdict^® herbicide, and Zidua^® PRO herbicide can fit into your plan. These three products all provide excellent burndown for early emerged broadleaf weeds (including marestail, giant ragweed, and common lambsquarters).

📸: BASF employee/Featuring Winter annual weed present in no-till fields.

Maximize Burndown Activity: Tips for Effective Herbicide Application

To maximize the activity of Sharpen^® herbicide, Verdict^® herbicide, or Zidua^® PRO herbicide, the proper adjuvants and tank mix partners should be used. Remember that these products are contact herbicides when used as a knockdown for emerged weeds, so coverage is important. 

• Use 15-20 gallons per acre for carrier volume. This helps increase spray coverage on weeds.

1.) Selecting the Right Nozzles for Optimal Coverage

• Utilize nozzles that optimize spray coverage. Typically, flat fan or twin fan nozzles have shown good results.
• Please note that if you are tank mixing with an approved 2,4-D product or Engenia^® herbicide, the nozzle selection will be determined by what is approved on the respective tank-mix sites.

2.) Essential Tank-Mix Partners for Enhanced Control 

• MSO and AMS are required tank-mix partners for burndown on emerged weeds. Be sure to use a high-quality MSO at rates of 1 pt/A or 1% v/v. AMS is also important in maximizing the activity on emerged weeds.

3.) Targeting Grass Weeds? Consider Adding Glyphosate

• These products are used for burndown of broadleaf weeds. If a field has emerged grass species present, the addition of glyphosate is recommended.

📸: BASF employee/Featuring Burndown Comparison: (Left): sulfentrazone; (Right): Zidua^® PRO herbicide and Engenia^® herbicide in NW Missouri, 2017.

Early Application is Key: Smaller Weeds for Better Control

Sharpen^® herbicide, Verdict^® herbicide, and Zidua^® PRO herbicide work best on small weeds. Target weeds smaller than 4” tall for spring burndown applications. Once winter annuals begin to bolt, they become much harder to control. 

Tough Weeds? Additional Herbicides May Be Needed 

If situations occur where weeds are in dense mats or are large in size, the addition of an approved 2,4-D herbicide or Engenia^® herbicide^* in soybeans (trait-dependent), or atrazine in corn may be necessary to ensure more complete control.

Before mixing components, always conduct a compatibility jar test. Always consult respective product labels for specific mixing instructions. The most restrictive label applies.

Always read and follow label directions. Engenia and atrazine are restricted use pesticides. Grow Smart, Engenia, Sharpen, Verdict, and Zidua are registered trademarks of BASF. Copyright 2024 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.

*Any references to Engenia herbicide within this article are subject to the EPA Order for the Disposition of Existing Stocks issued on February 14, 2024. All applications must be made in accordance with the previously approved label that has been allowed to be used by the EPA's Order for the Disposition of Existing Stocks issued on February 14, 2024. Application on soybeans must take place prior to June 30, 2024. Application on cotton must take place prior to July 30, 2024. In the event a state implements a more stringent Engenia herbicide application restriction, that state restriction will apply. For the most up-to-date and relevant information related to the EPA's Order for the Disposition of Existing Stocks, check engeniaherbicide.com/update.html.