As global demand for Canadian pulse crops continues to grow, pulses remain an important part of Prairie crop rotations. With more lentils, peas and other pulses in the ground across Western Canada, protecting yield potential has never been more important.
When it comes to weed competition, pulses are naturally poor competitors. That’s why the critical period of weed control (CPWC) plays such a key role in yield protection. The CPWC refers to the early growth stages when weeds must be controlled to prevent significant yield loss.
Research consistently shows that weeds present during this critical window can reduce yields by five percent or more, and under heavier pressure, losses can be much greater. Early-season competition robs pulses of moisture, nutrients and sunlight at the exact time they are trying to establish canopy and root systems.
Controlling weeds during this window allows pulse crops to build a stronger, more competitive stand. That early advantage supports improved vigour, more uniform maturity and better harvestability.
Late-germinating weeds such as Russian thistle and kochia continue to challenge growers across the Prairies. Beyond yield loss, these weeds can interfere with harvest operations, slow combining speeds, and increase dockage risk if not properly managed.
The CPWC is also a critical window for resistance stewardship. Escapes during this stage not only reduce yield but allow resistant biotypes to survive and set seed. Proactive weed control during this critical period helps protect both crop performance and the long-term effectiveness of herbicide tools.
Because pulses are poor competitors, starting clean with a pre-emergent herbicide is one of the most effective ways to protect yield during the critical weed-free period. Soil-applied products like Authority® brand herbicides help reduce early-season weed pressure before it can rob moisture, nutrients and sunlight from establishing crops.
By controlling weeds before or as they emerge, you can maintain a cleaner field through the most sensitive growth stages – reducing the risk of yield loss and improving the effectiveness of any follow-up in-crop applications.
Pre-emergent herbicides also play an important role in resistance management. As herbicide-resistant weeds such as kochia continue to spread across the Prairies, using multiple effective modes of action early in the season helps reduce selection pressure and limit the buildup of resistant populations.
In pulse production, protecting yield potential starts with keeping fields clean early, and a strong pre-emergent foundation remains one of the most reliable tools for doing exactly that.