Price of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides is on the Increase - Allan Vyhnalek Newscolumn Week of March 3, 2008
The proliferation of glyphosate-based products into the glyphosate-resistant crop market is unprecedented. Dr. Stevan Knezevic, Associate Professor, Integrated Weed Management, UNL Extension, provides the information used in this week's article.
Currently, there are more than 50 glyphosate-based herbicides registered for use in Nebraska. The influx of the generic glyphosate-based herbicides has also resulted in their initial price reduction as distributors attempt to remain competitive. However, that is not the case anymore, as there are indication that there is going to be a major increase in glyphosate price. For example, the generics that used to be $10-12 per gallon last summer might cost you over $20/ gallon this summer, while brand names that used to be $40 per gallon might cost as much as $75/gallon this season.
This resulted in many questions from producers that are interested in getting the best weed control for the lowest cost. Depending on the year or location, we tested these glyphosate-based products at two rates (label rate and half-rate):
- Roundup Ultra
- Roundup UltraDRY
- Roundup UltraMAX
- Roundup WeatherMAX
- Touchdown w/IQ
- Cornerstone
- Clearout 41 Plus
- GlyphoMAX
- Glyfos Xtra
- Glyphomax Plus
All herbicides provided excellent weed control (> 90%) regardless of the rate or brand name. For example, there was no significant difference in the level of weed control for a brand name Roundup Ultra Dry when compared to the generic product such is Clearout41 Plus.
These findings were similar to the results reported by our colleagues from other states. Therefore, generic glyphosate-based products can provide a valuable tool for weed control in glyphosate-tolerant crops, especially to those producers who are interested in lowering crop production inputs by reducing the weed control costs.
In addition, with the increased acres of Roundup-Ready corn, and growing use of glyphosate-based products there is an even greater need for their proper use. Their value can be preserved only by proper management, and reduced overuse. It is easy to fall into a trap of overusing glyphosate when one glyphosate-resistant crop is grown after another. Therefore, proper use of glyphosate-based technology, as a component of integrated weed management program, is the key to preserving the long-term benefits of this technology while avoiding many of the concerns about their use, or misuse. For more details about proper use of herbicide-tolerant crops see our NebGuide-G02-1484-A) titled: Use of herbicide tolerant crops as a component of an integrated weed management program
For more information or assistance, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Extension in Platte County. Phone: 402-563-4901 or e-mail AVYHNALEK2@unl.edu .
