Growers See Benefits Of Enlist Weed Control In First Year Of Commercial Use
November 12, 2015 Growers report seeing strong stands, good ear length and fill, full pods and clean fields where Enlist corn and Enlist soybeans grew this year. As the first year of commercial use of Enlist Duo herbicide with Colex-D Technology draws to a close, growers continue to see the benefits of the Enlist Weed Control System.
From Ohio to Nebraska and Minnesota to Arkansas, growers throughout the United States participated in the stewarded introduction of Enlist corn and grew Enlist soybeans for seed production under the Dow AgroSciences’ Field Forward program. The Field Forward program provides select growers an opportunity to experience new technology before it is commercially available.
Exceptional weed control and hybrid performance result in impressive yields
Grower Mike Lewis, along with his brothers, grows corn and soybeans and raises hogs in Indiana. With an increase in hard-to-control marestail and giant ragweed, Lewis was eager to participate in the stewarded introduction of Enlist corn. Timely rains followed by dry, warm weather made growing conditions favorable.
To manage the tough weeds, he used a program approach starting with a preemergence application of SureStart II herbicide followed by Enlist Duo herbicide. Lewis says Enlist Duo did its job as there weren’t any weeds in the fields of Enlist corn at harvest.
As he harvested the Enlist corn, Lewis noticed more than exceptional weed control. The hybrid performance exceeded his expectations with full ears and great standability. Yields averaged 210 bushels per acre, and Lewis says the Enlist corn is some of the best corn he has shelled this year.
“Our corn didn’t have to fight through the weeds, and because of that, we can tell the difference in yield,” Lewis says. “Plant-health wise, even in the middle of October there were a few leaves of the corn that were still green. I think there are a lot of positives about the Enlist Weed Control System, and I’m ready to place my order for next year.”
Clean fields of Enlist soybeans catch neighbors’ attention
Steve Wertish grew Enlist soybeans on his Minnesota farm as part of Dow AgroSciences’ Field Forward Program. With waterhemp and other weed pressure increasing, Wertish wanted to see how the Enlist system would perform in his own fields.
Wertish liked what he saw throughout the season. When it comes to weed control, he says his clean fields have caught the attention of his neighbors.
“Neighbors have stopped because they have seen that our fields are weed-free,” Wertish says. “We’ve told them about our experience this summer with the Enlist system and how pleased we are. Now they are ready to plant Enlist soybeans on their farms.”
Growers applaud on-target application of Enlist Duo herbicide
Enlist Duo herbicide with Colex-D technology provides four key advantages: minimized potential for physical drift, near-zero volatility, improved handling characteristics and low odor. Both Lewis and Wertish agree Enlist Duo was easy to handle and delivered on its on-target application benefits.
After application, the growers walked their fields and could see the boundary between the Enlist crop where Enlist Duo was applied and the adjacent field. For them, the on-target application offers peace of mind because the herbicide reaches its intended target.
“Colex-D Technology has been a real eye-opener for me,” Wertish says. “Anybody who’s going to be worried about drift or volatility with Enlist Duo is going to be very surprised. There just seems to be none whatsoever in my case.”
Lewis planted the Enlist corn next to a soybean field without the Enlist trait. After applying Enlist Duo, he watched for any signs of drift or volatility.
“There was no drift. It didn’t hurt the beans that were planted right beside the Enlist corn,” Lewis says. “With Enlist Duo, you don’t have to worry about it carrying into your neighbor’s field.”
Growers are ready to use the Enlist system in the future
On-target application, excellent weed control and good yields have growers like Lewis and Wertish ready to make Enlist part of their weed management program.
“We are really looking forward to using Enlist in the future,” Wertish says.
Pending additional regulatory approvals, Dow AgroSciences plans to launch Enlist corn and cotton in the United States in 2016. Dow AgroSciences continues to assess the launch of Enlist soybeans and will evaluate options based on the status of import approvals as the 2016 season gets closer.
For more information about the Enlist Weed Control System visit Enlist.com.
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