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Research Aids in Ryegrass Control in Wheat
By
Laura Skillman
PRINCETON, Ky., (Aug. 30, 2006) – In the 1980s, Jim Martin began
getting questions about Italian ryegrass and how to control it
in no-till corn production. Soon the questions drifted more and
more toward controlling it in Kentucky’s wheat fields where it
was causing considerable production problems.
Martin, a weeds science specialist with the University of
Kentucky College of Agriculture, has spent many hours since then
conducting studies to help farmers control this troublesome
weed. Martin is a member of the UK Wheat Science Group, an
interdisciplinary group of specialists who pool their knowledge
to assist Kentucky’s wheat producers.
“Italian ryegrass is the most competitive cool season weed we
have,” he said. “Wheat growers are especially concerned about
Italian ryegrass since it infests an estimated 20 percent of the
state’s wheat acres and spreads very easily. As much as an 85
percent yield loss has occurred as a result of ryegrass
competition.”
Martin said there are estimates that one plant per square foot
can reduce yields by four percent. So, to better understand the
management of this weed he has conducted 14 studies evaluating
application timing, tank mix antagonism and use of adjuvants
with foliar-applied herbicides in wheat.
Italian ryegrass and wheat have similar maturity, so without
good control measures the grass chokes out wheat in the field,
lowering yields. At harvest ryegrass seeds are further dispersed
across the field by the combine, he said.
Wheat is the third largest crop behind corn and soybeans in
Kentucky with more than 300,000 acres planted each year for
grain. Additional acres are planted annually for hay, silage and
as a cover crop.
Preliminary estimates by the U.S. Agricultural Statistics
Service show the 2006 wheat crop for Kentucky to be the highest
yielding crop to date at 70 bushels per acre. This makes
Kentucky’s yields among the top five in the country.
As wheat farmers prepare to plant their winter wheat again this
fall, they are advised to remember to use sound weed management
practices to keep Italian ryegrass from gaining strength in
their fields.
Through Martin’s research a list of recommendations have been
developed for farmers to use to control this weed. The published
recommendations are available through UK Extension offices
across the state. Recommendations are continually fine-tuned as
new discoveries are made.
It is estimated that wheat growers gain a net savings of $8.13
per acre by following UK recommendations for controlling modest
infestations of just three plants per square foot. While yield
losses alone would exceed $25 per acre if these management
recommendations are not followed, he said. |
Contact: Jim Martin, 270-365-7541, ext. 203 |
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The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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Copyright © 2001-2006 University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture,
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service |
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