War Against Weeds

On this episode of War Against Weeds, Joe Ikley and Sarah Ganske are joined by Meaghan Anderson and Wesley Everman from Iowa State University to discuss the emergence of Asian copperleaf, an invasive weed that is spreading through Iowa corn and soybean fields. They share what researchers know so far about its distribution, biology, herbicide response, and potential pathways of spread, while highlighting the many questions that remain about its ecology and management. The conversation explores how this seemingly inconspicuous weed may be finding a niche in modern cropping systems and why growers across the Midwest should start paying closer attention.   Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/4ri2gzhjjng5h5x0tykcaop4ay3kigx8   guest links: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/people https://x.com/mjanders1?s=20    

In this episode of the War Against Weeds podcast, Tommy and Sarah are joined by Stanley Culpepper, Bill Chism, and Elizabeth Burns Thompson to discuss how herbicide regulations, Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements, and ongoing litigation are shaping modern agriculture. The panel examines the challenges that regulatory complexity and uncertainty create for farmers, researchers, and industry, while highlighting the significant progress made through collaboration among growers, universities, EPA, and other stakeholders. They emphasize the importance of science-based decision-making, grower engagement, effective communication, and public education, while expressing optimism about improved cooperation, expanded mitigation options, and continued efforts to protect both agricultural productivity and environmental resources.   Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/g1oykiu75rmvbqsbpfxltc9w5ex8e0gc  

In this episode of War Against Weeds, hosts Sarah Ganske and Alyssa Essman are joined by Purdue University weed scientist Dr. Bryan Young and Bayer Crop Science technical product lead Dr. Kati Price to discuss diflufenican (Convintro®), a new (to the US) Group 12 residual herbicide for corn and soybean production. They explore how this herbicide fits into resistance management programs, its strengths and limitations for controlling waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, and what growers can expect regarding crop response, tank-mix partners, and stewardship. The conversation also covers practical recommendations for integrating this new tool into existing weed management programs. Convintro Website:  https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/brands/crop-protection/convintro?utm_campaign=evg+marcomm+convintro+google+search-paid+nonbrand+&utm_medium=search-paid&utm_source=google&utm_content=brandad+nonbrand+text+multistate+cornsoy+herbicides+gt2ct4a28&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23386064829&gbraid=0AAAAAofgd2gOZugKXyYYTZ4xt0TRZaxpp&gclid=CjwKCAjwrbfWBhAeEiwAc2e6PjWQ6O-bQRhTeKIEXdPPy0YuMCRawrkX8K3pUwDqy3-vnWcjvSfRTRoCyX8QAvD_BwE Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/f91atndbmc32tbff9tsv296hp6hg2awf    

In this episode of War Against Weeds, Joe Ikley and Tommy Butts sit down with weed scientists Marcelo Moretti (Oregon State University) and Ryan Hill (University of California) to explore the challenge of sucker management in perennial crops such as hazelnuts, olives, prunes, and grapes. The discussion covers how suckers impact yield, fruit quality, disease management, and weed control programs, along with current strategies including chemical pruning, mechanical removal, plant growth regulators, and emerging electrical control technologies. Links from guests: https://www.sacvalleyorchards.com/ https://wric.ucdavis.edu/blog https://smallgrains.wsu.edu/weeders-of-the-west/   Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/00iawo2fg3tmtojffxh87cxn027u006y  

Marestail has been one of the most troublesome weeds in agronomic crops for more than two decades, and growers are still searching for effective ways to stay ahead of it. In this episode, Dwight Lingenfelter of Penn State joins us to discuss marestail biology, resistance, cover crops, tillage, and the management strategies that can help reduce its impact across soybean, corn, and small grain systems. Sarah mentions a previous episode where we cover marestail research, and that episode is S1 E9 and that can be found here! S1 E9: Marestail/Horseweed Dispersal and Control https://waragainstweeds.libsyn.com/marestailhorseweed-dispersal-and-control Transcript (.docx):  https://app.box.com/s/nb709yzr4ds41latv9w9hqwedh6tv1w8