Rice Fields Are Near Newpath Application Time

HARRISBURG, ARK.
   Over the past several days many rice fields in the MidSouth have transitioned from soil to pretty green fields with healthy stands of rice. Flushes and recent rains have helped quench thirsty seedlings and increase soil moisture.
   Many CLEARFIELD rice fields are nearing the time of Newpath ® applications, if the grower chose to use a POST-POST program. When applying herbicides, always be sure to follow labeled instructions and adhere to the Stewardship Guidelines put forth by BASF.
   According to the label, in a POST application program, the first shot of Newpath should be applied at the 2-leaf stage of the rice, and followed with a second shot 10-14 days later. Soil moisture should not be much of an issue now, but the grower needs to be sure the soil has enough moisture to have the rice and weeds actively growing. If it does not rain within two days of the Newpath application the field will need to be flushed or flooded to activate the herbicide and maximize the activity on weeds and red rice.
   We often get questions this time of year dealing with Newpath rates on hybrids. Extensive testing has been done over the past several years by RiceTec and BASF (as well as others) and has resulted in recommended rates of 4 to 6 ounces per application. It is important to also remember, CLEARFIELD rice is required to have TWO applications of Newpath (or one Newpath and one Clearpath), for a total of 8-12 total ounces for the season. Failing to properly manage soil moisture following Newpath applications, or not applying enough of the herbicide has, can, and will lead to problems later in the season.
   Beyond® is meant for use as a salvage treatment in CLEARFIELD rice! Nearly every year we get questioned about using Beyond in place of Newpath for one of the first two applications. THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED! The application will not hurt the CLEARFIELD rice, however Beyond does NOT have the residual activity of Newpath and Clearpath, which is needed for season long control of red rice. Save your Beyond application in your pocket in case you need it after both shots of Newpath.
   We encourage all rice growers to be good stewards and manage their crops appropriately to increase the longevity of the CLEARFIELD system. Red rice escapes and outcrossing are REAL problems, not only for the grower it happens to, but to all rice farmers.
   Looking a bit further ahead, establishing a flood isn’t too far away. Most of our customers will follow their second Newpath application with their preflood Nitrogen and begin the flood. As a reminder, RiceTec’s base Nitrogen recommendations are:
   • 90 -120 units of N (195-260 pounds of urea) preflood, followed by
   • 30 units of N (65 pounds of urea) at late boot
   If some form of nitrogen was applied before a flush, typically we do not recommend counting that application in the base recommendation. However, if the application and flush were made within just a few days of the flood the preflood application can be reduced.
   For the preflood nitrogen application, RiceTec recommends the use of Agrotain™ or at least some type of nitrogen stabilizer to reduce the loss of usable nitrogen before the flood is established. Also, be sure to apply the preflood nitrogen onto dry soil, if possible, and chase the applicator out of the field with water! Δ
   CHAD DUCKWORTH: Marketing & Sales Support Manager, RiceTec