First Variety Available From PhytoGen
Farmers now have access to the breakthrough technology of Enlist cotton in 2016. As part of the Enlist weed control system, the Enlist cotton trait represents the most innovative advancements in weed control technology for the cotton industry. Enlist cotton provides exceptional crop tolerance to Enlist Duo herbicide — a combination of glyphosate and new 2,4-D choline — and full tolerance to glufosinate herbicides.
“We have a level of glufosinate tolerance now that is comparable to the other products that you see in the marketplace,” says Chris Main, Ph.D., PhytoGen cotton development specialist for the Upper Mid-South. “In 2016, cotton farmers will have the option to apply glufosinate over the top of these varieties with confidence since the glufosinate tolerance has been increased.”
Growers such as Virginia-based Mike Griffin participated in the 2015 Enlist cotton grower research plots. He understands the importance of new technology and is ready to use the Enlist system on more acres.
“The Enlist system specifically has been brought forward to help control weed species that have been unmanageable,” he says. “We look forward to using this technology to help us with resistant and hard-to-control weeds.”
Enlist cotton will be available in proven, consistent, high-yielding PhytoGen cottonseed, stacked with Genuity Roundup Ready Flex and WideStrike 3 Insect Protection. “This marks the first trait within the Enlist weed control system to be launched,” says Brian Barker, U.S. seeds general manager, Dow AgroSciences.
Top Three Benefits
On-target application, weed control and crop tolerance top the list of benefits. In the United States, more than 84 million acres are infested with resistant and hard-to-control weeds. Cotton producers deal with some of the most difficult weeds, including Palmer amaranth, mares-tail and giant ragweed. Texas farmer Jon Whatley and other research plot participants saw the quick action of Enlist Duo on troublesome weeds. “Shortly after application, we came back to the field and were amazed at how the weeds were already drooping and curling. Better yet, the Enlist cotton was thriving,” says Whatley.
Enlist Duo herbicide is optimized for on-target application with Dow AgroSciences’ proprietary Colex-D technology. Colex-D technology not only minimizes the potential for physical drift and provides near-zero volatility but also decreases odor and improves handling.
Diverse agricultural landscape means specialty crops may be located near cotton acres. Mississippi grower Trey Koger, Ph.D., participated in the Enlist cotton grower research plots and says it is important to be mindful of neighbors’ crops when making a herbicide application.
“We have a lot of crops, such as rice, grain sorghum and peanuts, growing in close proximity to one another,” Koger says. “I had no issues at all with drift or volatility with Enlist Duo. The Enlist cotton field shows that we’ll be able to utilize this technology to help us manage glyphosate-resistant and hard-to-control weeds.”
With tolerance to three distinct modes of action (2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate), PhytoGen cotton with the Enlist trait gives growers more flexibility in their weed control programs. Using multiple modes of action delivers proven results, controlling resistant weeds in the field while helping growers prevent resistance for seasons to come.
Educational Training Programs
“We have planned a coordinated launch of the Enlist cotton trait that includes an educational training program for farmers who will be the first in the country to experience Enlist in the PhytoGen brand,” Main says. “Farmers can check with their PhytoGen seed sales representatives for more information about PhytoGen cottonseed with the Enlist trait.”
Enlist Duo herbicide is not yet registered for use with Enlist cotton. Dow AgroSciences anticipates registration in time for 2016 applications.
Dow AgroSciences provided information for this article.