The EPA’s recent approval of FMC Anthem Flex herbicide for use on potatoes provides a powerful new tool for farmers. The label expansion promises long-term control of more than 30 weed species, improving crop health and increasing yields.
Potato growers across the country will benefit from EPA approval of expanded labeling for FMC Anthem Flex herbicide nationwide. Known for its long residual activity and effectiveness against a wide range of weeds, this herbicide now offers potato farmers an innovative solution to control noxious weeds. With its powerful pre-emergence action, Anthem Flex herbicide keeps fields clean and reduces reliance on post-emergence weed control methods.
Excellent weed control in potatoes
Anthem Flex Herbicide is formulated to provide long-term residual control, which is key to controlling more than 30 species of broadleaf and grass weeds, including barnyard, foxtail, nightshade, pork and waterhemp. This herbicide is based on the two most effective mechanisms of action available for use on potatoes: carfentrazone-ethyl (a group 14 herbicide) and pyroxasulfone (a group 15 herbicide). The combination of these active ingredients allows Anthem Flex to achieve superior results compared to other pre-emergence herbicides.
One of Anthem Flex’s outstanding features is its extended half-life in soil, which is 30% longer than other Group 15 herbicides. This characteristic contributes to its ability to maintain residual weed control throughout the summer months, ensuring potato fields remain clean throughout the summer months. over longer periods of time. As a result, the load on post-emergence herbicides for late-season weed control is greatly reduced, helping to address problems with difficult-to-control species such as Johnsongrass, Amaria grass, Nightshade, and green and yellow foxtail.
Strategic shift in weed control
Kirk Sager, FMC technical services manager, highlights the strategic benefits of Anthem Flex herbicide for potato growers. “Growers are striving to provide consistent weed control throughout the season without any complications, especially with increasingly challenging weeds,” explains Sager. “By shifting herbicide application for weed control to pre-emergence, Anthem Flex Herbicide allows growers to be more sincere in weed control and minimizes many of their concerns, such as weather, that are typically associated with post-emergence herbicides.”
This proactive approach not only improves the effectiveness of weed control, but also provides farmers with greater flexibility and reliability in their crop protection strategies. With pre-emergent application, farmers can control weeds before they emerge, thereby reducing competition for nutrients, water and light that can hinder potato growth and yield.
