Philadelphia, PA – In a significant development for potato farming, FMC’s Anthem Flex herbicide has received an expanded label approval from the EPA, allowing its use on potatoes across the United States. This preemergent herbicide offers long residual control of more than 30 weed species, including barnyard grass, foxtail, nightshade, pigweed, and waterhemp, ensuring cleaner fields and reduced reliance on postemergent solutions.
Features and Benefits
Anthem Flex herbicide stands out due to its dual-action formula, combining carfentrazone-ethyl (Group 14 herbicide) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15 herbicide). This combination provides:
- Extended Residual Control: Anthem Flex has a 30% longer half-life in soil compared to other Group 15 herbicides, offering the longest residual control of tough weeds. This ensures extended weed suppression into the summer months.
- Broad Weed Spectrum: Effective against over 30 broadleaf and grass weed species, including the increasingly resistant pigweed and waterhemp.
- Reduced Pressure on Postemergent Herbicides: By controlling weeds early, Anthem Flex minimizes the need for late-season postemergent treatments.
“Growers are looking for consistent season-long weed control without complications, especially for increasingly difficult weeds,” says Kirk Sager, technical service manager for FMC. “By shifting the weed control application to a preemergence timing, Anthem Flex herbicide allows growers to be more upfront with their weed control and minimizes many of their worries, like weather, that are typically associated with postemergent herbicides.”
Application Guidelines
Anthem Flex should be applied when at least two inches of soil covers the emerging potato sprouts. It can be used as a broadcast spray to the soil surface after planting or at drag-off of potatoes before weed emergence. For optimal results, it is recommended to pair Anthem Flex with a tank-mix partner herbicide:
- Metribuzin: Effective under normal weed pressure conditions.
- Flumioxazin: Suitable for heavy weed pressure scenarios.
- Rimsulfuron: An excellent preemergence tank-mix partner to enhance weed control spectrum.
“Tank-mix partners with Anthem Flex herbicide help broaden our weed spectrum to better control all weeds,” Sager says. “Anthem Flex herbicide can help take the pressure off our postemergent technology and refocus our efforts on starting and staying weed-free.”
The EPA’s approval of Anthem Flex herbicide for use in potatoes marks a significant advancement for potato growers seeking effective, long-term weed control. By offering extended residual activity and reducing the dependence on postemergent treatments, Anthem Flex provides a reliable solution for maintaining cleaner fields and enhancing crop yield.
