What’s new in weed management part 1: Herbicide technologies A conversation with Drs. Debalin Surangi and Thomas Peters
In this episode of Minnesota CropCast, hosts Dave and Seth welcome two Extension Weed Specialists: Dr. Tom Peters (NDSU and U of MN Sugarbeet Weed Extension Specialist) and Dr. Debalin Sarangi (U of MN Extension Weed Specialist for corn and soybeans). Together, they dive into the latest field crop herbicides and modes of action available for the 2026 season and beyond, offering advice on managing some of the state's toughest weed challenges.
Key Topics Covered:
- Tackling Problem Weeds: The group discusses targeted strategies for controlling aggressive, yield-robbing weeds like waterhemp and giant ragweed in corn, soybean, and sugarbeet systems.
- The Power of Multiple Sites of Action: Drs. Peters and Sarangi share research results demonstrating that pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides containing two or three sites of action deliver greater, more consistent control and biomass reduction of waterhemp and giant ragweed compared to single-site PRE options.
- Herbicide Updates: including -- Convintro (group 12; Bayer), Liberty Ultra 1.76SL (glufosinate [Liberty]; group 10; BASF), Rapidicil 0.46EC (epyrifenacil; group 14; Valent), and Rimisoxafen (Groups 12 and 32; FMC)
- Proactive Resistance Management: The group also discussed how applying robust PRE herbicides lowers the overall risk of developing herbicide resistance and buys growers valuable flexibility for post-emergence application timing.
- Application Best Practices: The Specialists reviewed some critical best management practices for applying dicamba and glufosinate post-emergence. They detailed how to achieve optimal weed control while safely avoiding off-target movement and preventing further resistance development.
