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Handling henbit with a program approach
Henbit is a fall-germinating weed that overwinters to continue growing in the early spring, often impacting planting. Although this weed doesn’t have a serious impact on yield potential, it can be an alternative host for damaging pests like soybean cyst nematode (SCN). According to Michigan State University Extension, seeds can survive in the soil for 25 to 40 years.1 So, it’s important for farmers to ensure henbit is controlled effectively to reduce populations.
Farmers should properly identify henbit — which is often confused with purple deadnettle, another member of the mint family — to make the best management decisions. Here is what henbit looks like in the field:
- Cotyledons: Oval-shaped
- Leaf shape: Circular to heart-shaped with hairs on the upper leaf surfaces and along the veins of the lower surface
- Stems: Green or purple-tinged
- Flowers: Pink or purple; flowers occur in whorls in the upper leaves and are fused into a tube two-thirds inch long
Because studies suggest henbit is most vulnerable to SCN infestations in early fall to late spring, controlling the winter annual during harvest and prior to planting is critical.2 Here is what farmers should know to effectively eliminate henbit with a program approach:
- Since most fall-emerging weed seeds germinate close to the soil surface, tillage can disrupt that environment and prevent weed emergence. Consider implementing tillage after harvest or before planting.
- A fall or spring burndown herbicide application can clean up the seedbed before planting to eliminate crop competition. Elevore® herbicide delivers excellent control of tough broadleaf weeds, including henbit, without regrowth in corn and soybeans acres.
- Preemergence herbicides add another layer of protection to manage henbit. For soybean farmers, Sonic® Boom herbicide and Kyber® Pro herbicide are labeled to provide control of henbit. Farmers can find full application instructions on the product labels. Resicore® REV herbicide is a strong option for corn acres.
- A postemergence herbicide application offers additional defense against weeds. Corn farmers get extended residual control from Resicore REV herbicide when used as a postemergence application. Soybean farmers also can get up to four weeks of extended weed control with postemergence applications by tank-mixing with Enversa™ herbicide.
If farmers have more questions about their options for combating henbit, they can visit Corteva.com/us or contact their local Corteva Agriscience representative.
Elevore®, Enversa™, Kyber® Pro, Resicore® REV and Sonic® Boom are not registered for sale or use in all states. Enversa and Resicore REV are 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. Always read and follow label directions.
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