Timing is everything when it comes to post-emergence spraying. Making the most out of every pass through your fields can significantly impact your yield potential and return on investment. Understanding growth stages, knowing when to spray (and when not to), and enhancing each pass with the right products can give your acres the advantage they need.
When to Post Spray: Key Growth Stages and Field Indicators
The ideal timing for post-emergence spray pass depends on crop stages and weed development. For most row crops, the window typically falls between the V3 and V6 stages – when weeds are still small and actively growing, and crops are well-established but not yet canopy-closed.
Signs in the fields to look for are:
- Weeds under 4 inches tall (younger weeds are easier to control)
- Rapid weed growth after rainfall or warm weather
- Crops past early emergence but before reproductive stages
Spraying at the right time ensures maximum herbicide effectiveness while minimizing crop stress.
Get the Most Out of Every Pass
Making a post-emergence pass offers the opportunity to layer in additional crop inputs that can help boost performance without added trips across the field.
ProfitPoint Complete
- Eliminate the need for an additional foliar application later
- Improve nutrient uptake when plants need it most
- Save time and reduce fuel costs
Use Adjuvants like SprayPoint Products for Maximum Efficiency
Pairing herbicides and foliar nutrients with the right adjuvants helps ensure your chemicals are working at peak efficiency. Our SprayPoint line is designed to:
- Enhance spray coverage and penetration
- Improve herbicide uptake
- Reduce off-target drift and evaporation losses
By optimizing every pass, you’re not just saving time – you’re investing in better outcomes
Our lineup includes products like crop oil, methylated seed oils, surfactants, and drift retardants for any post application you may have.
When Not to Spray: Conditions to Avoid
Spraying under the wrong conditions can result in poor weed control, crop injury, or wasted product. Avoid spraying when:
- Wind speeds are high (risk of drift)
- Temperatures exceed 85°F (potential for crop stress or volatilization)
- Weeds are drought-stressed or hardened off
- Rain is imminent within 2-4 hours of application
Why a Post-Emergence Pass Matters
Skipping your post-emergence spray can allow weeds to compete with your crops during critiucal growth stages, leading to yield losses and long-term weed pressure. A well-timed post pass:
- Protects your crops during peak growth
- Reduces competition for nutrients and water
- Sets up your field for stronger performance throughout the season
Partner With Your Agronomist
No two fields at the same. For the most effective in-season applications and tank mix options, consult your local agronomist. They can help tailor your approach based on:
- Weed spectrum and resistance patterns
- Crop type and stages
- Local weather and field history
Giving your acres the best opportunity starts with informed decisions and trusted partnerships.
Make every pass count. With the right timing, the right products, and the right strategy, your post-emergence spray can do more than protect – it can enhance. Visit us or talk to your agronomist today about incorporating ProfitPoint Complete, SprayPoint adjuvants, and other high-performance tools into your spray plan.
