PRE-HARVEST

FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT TO SIMPLIFY YOUR HARVEST THIS YEAR

There are several factors to consider to make your harvest easier and to ensure your crop is marketable. P&H can guide you through these decisions and help you select the right strategy for your farm.

The Benefits of Pre-Harvest Applications

Pre-harvest herbicides serve two primary purposes: weed control and crop dry down.

Weed Control

Hard-to-control perennials such as Canada thistle and quackgrass are best managed in the fall when leaf area is at its maximum. This is particularly important for cereal crops, where crop staging is critical; pre-harvest application should occur when the crop is at 30% or less moisture content. At this stage, pressing the kernel with your nail will leave a dent.

Crop Desiccation

Pre-harvest products like diquat and saflufenacil can help dry out the plant, accelerate maturity and streamline the harvesting process. Desiccation can also mitigate uneven crop growth and control weeds. However, glyphosate should not be used for desiccation purposes as it is ineffective (taking over two weeks to dry down) and can leave residues in the grain if absorbed by an immature crop.

For crops like soybeans or dry beans, desiccants can help dry the plant, speed up overall maturity and make harvesting easier. Desiccation can also enhance crop quality by promoting uniform maturity and controlling perennial weeds.

Crop staging is crucial regardless of the products you use. Ensure you consult with your local P&H Expert before application to determine the best approach for your farm.

Where Are the Pre-Harvest Products Allowed?

 

Crop Glyphosate Saflufenacil Diquat Glufosinate
Canola Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wheat Yes Yes No No
Barley Yes Malt – Consult with grain company
Feed – Yes
No No
Oats Consult with grain company No No No
Peas Yes Yes Yes No
Soybeans Yes Yes Yes No
Chickpeas Yes Yes Yes No
Potatoes No No Yes Yes
Flax Yes Yes Yes No
Lentils Yes Yes (Red lentils only) Yes No
Alfalfa Yes No No Yes
Fababeans Yes No Yes No
Dry bean Yes Yes Yes No
Cereal Seed Crops No No No No

Talk to Your Grain Buyer

When considering pre-harvest products like glyphosate, saflufenacil or diquat, it is important to pinpoint what exactly you are trying to accomplish and in which crops. It is very important to check the declarations of grain buyers to see if they will accept grain treated with certain products. P&H will work with you through these considerations and help you pick a product that will meet your operation’s needs.

For more information on pre-harvest products and timing, Keep it Clean has some great tools and resources. Check out their 5 Tips to Keep Your Crops Market-Ready.