Topdressing & Spring Herbicide Reminders
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Collapse ▲Written By Dr. Angela R. Post, Small Grains Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University
Across the state I expect wheat to be fully jointed in the next two weeks and it is time to complete spring herbicide applications, if needed, and full topdress applications. North Carolina fields are starting to green-up and wheat is ready for fertility. The time has passed for getting an effective split application out. As soon as fields are dry enough to go, growers should begin making their spring fertility applications. On very sandy soils where nitrogen loss is more common, a dry source may be considered. Other soil types should use a readily available liquid form of nitrogen. Sulfur should also be included where spring deficiencies commonly appear.
Most wheat that has not been fertilized yet will have a tissue N concentration of 3-3.5%. In order to maximize yield potential, wheat should exceed 4% by weight nitrogen content in tissues about 3 to 4 weeks following topdress. All of the Nitrogen that goes into the plant now will be the same nitrogen used to build proteins in the grain later this season. So it is important to complete topdressing on time to maximize N uptake by the wheat plant. You will not slow wheat down by withholding fertility, you will only lose important fall tillers. The heating units accumulating everyday means that wheat is in a fast growth state, and waiting on nitrogen applications will limit overall yield potential. If you have questions about the timing or the amount of nitrogen to apply to maximize your wheat yield, please reach out to dylan_lilley@ncsu.edu or angela_post@ncsu.edu.
It is also time to finish up spring herbicide applications. See the table here on page two for herbicides labeled in winter small grains in North Carolina (Table 7.2). You may also use the following link to the 2025 Agricultural Chemicals Manual for complete information for all chemistries labeled in small grains. Once there click on the section for Chemical Weed Control in Wheat, Barley, Oats, Rye and Triticale. Several items to note: You may use a second application of Zidua to continue residual preemergent control of Italian ryegrass if you did not use the annual maximum in the fall. Osprey, Powerflex HL or Axial Bold will be needed for emerged ryegrass. If you select Osprey, you must not make a nitrogen application within 14 days of Osprey application to avoid significant crop injury. Do not use products containing dicamba or 2,4-D after the jointing stage to avoid crop head injury. If you need broadleaf weed control after jointing and before flag leaf, utilize Quelex or Harmony Extra.