3 keys to a successful weed control program in soybeans 

Unpredictable weather patterns and the threat of weed resistance are driving farmers to find improved solutions to manage weeds effectively in their fields. Although you can’t control Mother Nature, you can make input decisions to help overcome hard-to-kill weeds and mitigate the spread of resistance. Brad Allen, market development specialist with Corteva Agriscience, said a program approach featuring herbicides with multiple modes of action (MOA) and residual activity is one of the best ways to keep weeds from taking over your acres. 

“Farmers should always be using multiple MOA,” Allen said. “That’s the biggest key I would say. You want those different MOA, so you’re not relying on just one product. That’s where we end up with resistance or weed control challenges. Then residuals are very important, because they extend control of weeds. Including residuals in pre- and postemergence applications can provide an extra layer of protection and keep weeds from germinating.”  

Allen said he believes there are three key steps to achieving success with a program approach. 

Understand your fields 

First, Allen recommends you have a deep understanding of your fields. This includes knowing what your driver weeds are, if you are already experiencing resistance issues, and how many weeds usually are present.  

 If you think you may have resistant weeds already in your acres, Allen advises you work with your local ag retailer and other resources, such as Extension or university experts, to confirm. This knowledge is crucial to developing an effective weed control program with solutions that fit your individual needs. 

Formulate a powerful plan 

 To maximize the effectiveness of your herbicides, Allen emphasizes the importance of making a plan and keeping to it, adjusting only when conditions change. Despite the curveballs that weather may bring, a strong strategy can make a big difference when it comes to weed control.  

 For instance, during the 2025 season, many farmers experienced a wetter-than-usual spring, which kept those farmers from getting into the field to make their preemergence herbicide applications. Because they had to bank on their postemergence applications, having a reliable layered residual herbicide helps protect farmers from being hung out to dry.  

“Because some farmers weren’t able to make their preemergence applications, they had to rely on their postemergence herbicides to do the heavy lifting. In these cases, we want to ensure farmers are using layered residuals, spraying at full rates and tank-mixing with other products to maximize their applications. So, it’s essential to have these plans, stick to them the best you can, and we’ll work from there.”
—  Brad Allen, market development specialist with Corteva Agriscience

 If you’re looking for preemergence and postemergence products to add to your soybean weed control program, consider these products from the Corteva Agriscience portfolio:  

• Sonic^® Boom herbicide. This preemergence herbicide features two active ingredients, a Group 5 and Group 14, to deliver strong control of more than 35 broadleaf weeds. Sonic Boom provides powerful residual activity for up to four to six weeks, widening the window for farmers to make their postemergence herbicide applications.  
• Kyber^® Pro herbicide. Another preemergence herbicide from Corteva Agriscience, Kyber Pro is a premium weed control solution with three distinct MOA, including a Group 15. These three ingredients come together to defend fields against more than 50 tough broadleaf and grass weeds, including ALS- and PPO-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp. Farmers who spray Kyber Pro herbicide get up to six weeks of residual control, possibly longer in the right conditions.  
• Enversa^™ herbicide. This residual herbicide can be applied postemergence to extend residual control. Enversa contains a Group 15 active ingredient, encapsulated acetochlor, to help drive the solution to the soil to keep weeds from emerging. Enversa delivers up to four weeks of residual activity on more than 20 broadleaf and grass weeds. It also is the residual tank-mix partner of choice with Enlist One^® herbicide on Enlist E3^® soybeans.  

Take your time with the tank

 Finally, Allen advises farmers to not work too quickly when it comes to formulating their tank mix. Adding multiple products to the tank will not only save you time making applications but also help deliver superior control of weeds. But it’s imperative to get it right.  

“Sometimes, we get in a hurry to get things done,” Allen said. “Take your time when you’re tank-mixing products. Make sure you’re using compatible products, running the right rates off the label and putting products in the correct order. To ensure you’re checking off all the right steps, work with your ag retailer or your Corteva Agriscience representative and refer to the manuals.”  

 For more information about residual soybean herbicides from Corteva Agriscience, visit SoyHerbicides.Corteva.us.  

 The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3^® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. Following burndown, Enlist Duo^® and Enlist One^® herbicides with Colex-D^® technology are the only herbicides containing 2,4-D that are authorized for preemergence and postemergence use with Enlist^® crops. Consult Enlist^® herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are not registered for use or sale in all states and counties; are not registered in AK, CA, CT, HI, ID, MA, ME, MT, NH, NV, OR, RI, UT, VT, WA and WY; and have additional subcounty restrictions in AL, GA, TN and TX, while existing county restrictions still remain in FL. All users must check “Bulletins Live! Two” no earlier than six months before using Enlist One or Enlist Duo. To obtain “Bulletins,” consult epa.gov/espp/, call 1-844-447-3813, or email ESPP@epa.gov. You must use the “Bulletin” valid for the month and state and county in which Enlist One or Enlist Duo are being applied. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency if you have questions about the registration status of Enlist^® herbicides in your area. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW TO USE ANY PESTICIDE PRODUCT OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LABELING. ONLY USE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY LABELED FOR SUCH USE IN THE STATE OF APPLICATION. USE OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, 2,4-D-CONTAINING PRODUCTS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE WITH ENLIST CROPS, MAY RESULT IN OFF-TARGET DAMAGE TO SENSITIVE CROPS/AREAS AND/OR SUSCEPTIBLE PLANTS, IN ADDITION TO CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES. Additional product-specific stewardship requirements for Enlist crops, including the Enlist Product Use Guide, can be found at www.traitstewardship.com. Enversa^™, Kyber^® Pro and Sonic^® Boom are not registered for sale or use in all states. Enversa is not available for sale, distribution or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties in the state of New York. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions.