Agronomy Degree Practice Exam

What term describes an herbicide application made after planting but before crops and weeds emerge?

1. Pre-emergence

2. Post-emergence

3. Pre-plant

4. Lay by

The correct answer is: Pre-emergence

The term that describes an herbicide application made after planting but before crops and weeds emerge is "pre-emergence." This type of application is critical in weed management as it targets weed seeds that have not yet sprouted, helping to prevent competition for resources between weeds and crops. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied to the soil and remain active to suppress weed growth until the crop begins to emerge. Post-emergence refers to herbicides applied after both the crops and weeds have emerged, which is a different timing and approach in weed control. Pre-plant denotes applications made before any planting occurs, which does not apply in this case since the planting has already taken place. The term "lay by" typically refers to a later stage in crop management, where treatments are made to control weeds without cultivating too closely to the crop, making it unsuitable for this scenario as well.