PB—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 17,1984 Shattercane problem continues in Pa. LANCASTER Com growers in some Pennsylvania counties may face reduced yields because of increased shattercane infestations in their fields this spring. In Southeast counties, which produce over 30 percent of the state’s com crop, shattercane has been increasing at an alarming rate. The weed competes with the com plant for soil nutrients, sunshine and moisture, all essential elements of plant growth. According to Don Robinson, adult farm instructor at the Eastern Lancaster County School District, shattercane has been in the state for over 10 years. “Part of the problem is proper weed identification,” he admits. ANNUAL INTEREST On Your Investment Invest $60,000 for a complete Master Mill System including ingredient bins, mill, control system, delivery system to feed bins, building, wiring, installation, ready to operate. $60,000 x 45% = $27,000 * Note: Right Now Farmers Who Have MASTER MILL SYSTEMS Are Saving More Than $2O Per Ton!! (Savings per ton has the operating cost of milling already subtracted) Contact “The People Who Save You Money " aFs m “Farmers have been confusing it with johnsongrass, another troublesome sorghum weed and haven’t always used the best control.” Shattercane, sometimes called wild cane, was introduced into Pennsylvania as a summer annual forage crop. “Shattercane can be brought into the state through sorghum sudangrass hybrids that are contaminated with small amounts of shattercane seed and feed grains that are bought in the Midwest and sold in Penn syvlania,” he says. The modem corn harvester is also blamed for its more recent spread. EXAMPLE System will make 45 tons/week * Savings per ton making your own feed .$12.00 Savings Per Week ... $540.00 Weeks Per Year 52 automatic farm systems 608 Evergreen Rd., Lebanon, PA 17042 (717) 274-5333 Shattercane seed can emerge from depths as great as six inches in the soil. At the seedling stage, it looks like com. However, as it grows and reaches a height of three to 12 feet, it becomes very competitive and can drastically reduce com yields. Shattercane is extremely tough to control because it can germinate from spring until late in the summer. “The seedheads usually shatter before the crop is harvested,” Robinson says. “Uncontrolled light stands of shattercane develop into heavy infestations rapidly.” With good tillage, shattercane can be under control early in the season. “However, by the end of ■i ” *28.080 IMTROPUCIMCC Call or Write For PERMA WEB we've got it steel buildings We’ve always sold computer feeders from Optek, now it’s called Lac-Tracker. Call us for your nearest dealer the summer it may start ger minating again,” Robison says. ‘‘Long lasting control is im portant.” Robinson, along with fellow adult farmer instructor, Robert Anderson, has researched her bicides for the past four years. “Fo severe infestations, we’ve found Eradicane Extra herbicide in combination with atrazine or Bladex herbicide provides the best control,” Robinson reports. The NEED % MORE ROOM? <^n/{)Read The Classified to** *”* You 6uY, MOVE OVS«/ R©Ol Introductory Prices and ask for a demonstration. Distributed By: “Extra” in the product, he ex plains is an extender that prolongs weed control activity in the soil. Sutan+ herbicide is effective on light to moderate infestations. Robinson and Anderson recommend a double incorporation of preplant herbicides for shat tercane control. “An important thing farmers must remember is to work the soil only when it is dry,” they say. “Wet - ’ ' ds to result in a less uniform incorporation.” o BUILDINGST STRAIGHT WALL FARM BUILDINGS Designed to provide more storage space wall to wall and floor to ceiling Available in 32', 40’, 50’ and 60’ widths and B', 10’, 12', 14', 16’ and 18’ eave heights Don’t Wait - Call Today (215) 593-2511 Perma Building Systems Box 35, Christiana, Pa. 17509 I Name _ Address City Phone __ THIS MUCH MORE FOR THIS MUCH LESS Dollar-for-dollar You Can't Beat LAC-TRACKER’ Computerized Dairy Feeding and Manage ment Systems by Optek, Inc. • Lowest priced, self-checking dairy computer with auto lactation feeding • Easy to use and expandable. Let your management skills grow with the future • Most complete dairy and cow records in the industry • Bar code cow tags (with 7-year warranty) insure instant on/off feeding without light or radio interference • Heavy duty stainless steel and poly mechanical feeding systems with special high moisture feed provisions • Compare features, warranty, and price before you invest in any other feeding system State
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