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Weed Management Systems for Agronomic Crops
Dr. Ron Ritter is the PI. Growers are continually faced with obtaining good weed control in their cropping systems. Annual and perennial weeds flourish across the state. Herbicide-resistant weeds are becoming more wide-spread. A number of triazine-resistant weed species have been identified which can impact corn yields drastically. Likewise, in soybeans, glyphosate-resistant marestail continue to spread across the state and rob growers on their potential yield. Finally, diclofop-resistant Italian ryegrass has been identified in many areas of the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland. Italian ryegrass is the number one weed problem in small grains. Research has shown that if these herbicide-resistant weeds are not treated, up to a 25% yield reduction can occur.
Field trials are being conducted at state experiment station research farms. On-farm trials in conjunction with agricultural extension educators are also being conducted. Through these field trials, cutting edge weed management programs are being developed in corn, small grains and soybeans. Through winter programming, newsletters, field days and other Extension activities, vital information on managing these weeds has been presented to local clientele through the state and the region.
Through surveys taken at numerous winter meetings, it is estimated that over 75% of the treated corn acres, 30% of the soybean acres, and 50% of the small grain acres have been treated with these new weed management techniques. Utilizing these new weed management techniques, farmers apply less herbicides and could save an average of $67.00 an acre in corn and $50.00 an acre in both small grains and soybeans based upon the Maryland Department of Agriculture Crop Statistics.
For more information, contact Dr. Ron Ritter
Last updated: 04/9/2009
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