By Larry Steckel
Quite a few calls continue to come in now on many weed control issues in wheat.
Bluegrass
In most cases where bluegrass was a problem, it became established before or with the wheat. One good option is to apply Sencor at 3 to 4 oz/A post emergence over the wheat that is at 2 to 4 lf. This timing of a Sencor application has been a very inexpensive way to manage bluegrass and just establishing broadleaf weeds like henbit.
Henbit
Another very common call has been on henbit that escaped a tillage or Gramoxone application and is now actively competing with the seedling wheat crop. Sencor can provide some good control. Other options at this stage would be Finesse, Osprey or PowerFlex. All three of them should provide control of henbit at this stage plus remove most other "junk" broadleaf weeds as well a ryegrass. All three of these herbicides will suppress Poa some with Finesse providing the most suppression.
Early Weed Control Options For Wheat
Ryegrass
A number of questions have been asked about Finesse herbicide. Last year Finesse replaced Osprey as the main go-to herbicide for many wheat acres in Tennessee. It performed well particularly applied in the fall controlling ryegrass, many broadleaf winter annuals and even small bluegrass. There are couple things to keep in mind when using this product.