SHABBONA, Ill. — University of Illinois weed science researchers along with the USDA presented the latest weed control findings to a group of farmers and interested persons on July 6 at the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center.

Approximately 20 weed control studies are being conducted at the center this year. Highlighted studies include the Liberty Link soybean.

Although the Liberty resident trait in soybeans has not received a great deal of attention since Roundup Ready soybeans gained popularity, researchers said Liberty Link soybeans may offer producers an alternative method when battling Roundup-resistant Horseweed or volunteer Roundup Ready corn.

Historically, producers have either had to cultivate or hand-spray resistant patches; however, according to recent studies, using Liberty Link soybeans following Roundup Ready corn would allow a producer to control weeds, as well as volunteer corn with a single application of the herbicide, Liberty.

Additionally, Liberty Link soybeans may provide an alternative control method for Horseweed control, the Illinois scientists said.

An increasing concern throughout the agricultural community is that Horseweed may be gaining resistance to Roundup. If this is the case, Liberty Link soybeans may provide farmers with another option in the battle of weed control.

A second issue being studied at the Research Center is the adaptations and control of Giant Ragweed. Once thought of as a fencerow weed, Giant Ragweed now invades and damages numerous fields throughout Illinois, especially if allowed to go to seed.

University of Illinois studies have shown that Giant Ragweed now emerges throughout the growing season rather than just at the beginning of spring. This adaptation may have occurred because of current farming practices, which typically include a pre-emergence herbicide application, post-emergence herbicide application and early cultivation or spot spraying.

Further tests have indicated that weeds that emerged from seeds collected from Giant Ragweed plants in fencerows did not emerge throughout the growing season like the plants that emerged from seeds collected from Giant Ragweed plants growing in fields.

The Weed Control Tour is hosted annually by the University of Illinois’ Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center in Shabbona. The next event scheduled at the Research Center is the University of Illinois’ Agronomy Field Day on Aug. 1.

This farm news was published in the July 19, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.