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Benefits of a program approach to weed control in wheat production
Although there are exceptions, most states require insurance coverage before you can legally operate an automobile on the open road. Insurance helps mitigate financial risks and protect personal savings in the event of an accident.
Similarly, a program-based herbicide approach in wheat helps manage the risks posed by grass and broadleaf weeds that can reduce crop yield and crop quality potential. In tight farming margin environments, both yield and quality are critical to sustaining a farm’s economic viability.
“I encourage all farmers to always give their wheat what it needs, when it needs it, to increase the potential of those two important aspects of the crop,” said Seth Larson, territory manager with Corteva Agriscience. “Nutrients are vital, but producing a good crop starts with good weed control from a herbicide plan built with an all-encompassing program approach.”
Building an effective herbicide program starts with a strong burndown to establish a weed-free foundation for wheat emergence. This reduces competition for nutrients and supports development of a healthy, uniform stand.
A successful program should also include a preemergence application to address tough-to-control or potentially resistant weeds, such as kochia, waterhemp, and marestail.
“Always review which herbicides worked the previous year and, more importantly, what didn’t,” said Seth Larson, territory manager with Corteva Agriscience. “Review what modes of action and rates were used. Did they provide the needed control? If not, adjust your current plan accordingly.”
Scouting seven to 10 days after an application should be a priority. Systemic herbicides may take a little longer to show results because the active ingredient must move through the plant, while contact herbicides may show activity within a few days.
Benefit from new products
New modes of action in herbicides are introduced infrequently, but when they are, they can play an important role in a weed control program. Rotating modes of action helps extend the effectiveness of all herbicides over time.
“I see more and more farmers adding Tolvera herbicide to their spring and winter wheat, durum and barley weed control programs,” Larson said. “It brings a much-needed new active ingredient, tolpyralate (Group 27), to the cereals market, along with bromoxynil (Group 6). Field trials conducted at Montana State University’s Southern Ag Research Center confirm the effectiveness of Tolvera herbicide to control or suppress weeds such as prickly lettuce, dogfennel, wild mustards, and green and yellow foxtail.”
Tolvera® herbicide can be applied from the one-leaf crop growth stage through jointing. It also offers a nine-month plant-back interval to most major crops, which could help position farmers to take advantage of a crop that holds profitability potential.
“‘Start clean and stay clean’ is the theory behind a program approach,” Larson said. “It’s an approach that supports optimum plant development through each of its growth stages.”
Additional value with Tolvera herbicide
As other farmer-directed rebate programs are phased out, Corteva continues to support grower profitability through the Tolvera® Plus Program. Products purchased at participating Grower Point of Sale reporting retailers between Oct. 1, 2025, and Sept. 30, 2026, are eligible for end-of-year rebates when Tolvera herbicide is paired with participating Corteva products.
To learn more about Tolvera herbicide or the complete portfolio of Corteva Agriscience crop protection solutions, visit Corteva.com/Tolvera or contact your local Corteva Agriscience sales representative.
Tolvera® is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.
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