Mixing Herbicides for Weed Control in Sweet Corn

Many corn herbicides can be tank mixed with one or more other herbicides to extend the spectrum of weed control.  Labels will have detailed instruction about compatible tank mixing partners and instructions on selecting rates, etc. when tank mixing.

Formulated Mixes (Prepackaged Tank Mixes)

In recent years, many products have come on the market as prepackaged combinations of herbicides which were often recommended in the past as tank-mix combinations of products purchased separately. They are designed for to expand the spectrum of control (i.e. grass herbicide mixed with broadleaf herbicide). 

There are 3 questions that a grower or pesticide applicator should ask when deciding whether to use a formulated mix or the individual herbicide.

1. Which is less expensive on a per acre basis?
2. Which formulation is easier to apply? Most pesticide applicators prefer to avoid wettable powders, for example.
3. Is the ratio of the two herbicides in the formulated mix appropriate for the given field situation? For example, Bicep Lite contains 2/3 as much atrazine as Bicep and should allow growers a better opportunity to obtain good grass control without using more atrazine than is needed.

Following are some examples of formulated mixes registered for use on sweet corn. There are many others in addition to those listed.