Goosegrass, Junglerice and More Hinder Row Crop Production
MILAN, Tenn. – Weed control is an essential component of no-till agriculture, allowing row crop producers to eliminate unwanted plant pests that could impact yield. During the 33rd Milan No-Till Field Day on Thursday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, agricultural experts from across the region will provide the latest research-based weed control solutions.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn more during the tour “Herbicide-Resistant Weed Management” held at 11 a.m. Larry Steckel, row crop weed specialist with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), will partner with Taylor Singleton from the University of Georgia for the presentation.
“We have seen serious infestations of goosegrass, junglerice, barnyardgrass and more, especially in soybean and cotton fields,” says Steckel. “Many producers think it is because these plants are resistant to glyphosate and other pesticides, but that is only part of the challenge.”
Dicamba, often used to control Palmer amaranth, can greatly inhibit the effectiveness of other herbicides, particularly if combined in a tank or sprayed consecutively in the same field over a short period of time. For many producers, frequent rainfall events have even washed herbicides off plant leaves or delayed application altogether, further limiting weed control.
“Each growing season has new challenges,” says Steckel. “One of our missions at UTIA is to ensure producers can continue growing crops using no-till agriculture. I encourage anyone in the area struggling to manage weeds to come out and explore our recommended solutions to help you protect your plants.”
Milan No-Till Field Day first began in 1981 as a way to teach producers about the benefits of no-till farming over traditional tillage. Today, it continues to attract thousands of people from across the nation interested in improving soil conservation and agricultural production. Certified Crop Adviser and pesticide recertification points will be offered for attendees.
The AgResearch and Education Center at Milan is located at 3A Ledbetter Gate Road in Milan, Tennessee. Sponsorships and exhibitor spots are currently being offered. Contact LesLee Smelser at 731-686-7362 for more information.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.