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PodcastArkansas Row CropsSep 20, 2023

What’s Driving the Rise of Italian Ryegrass Resistance?

Italian ryegrass resistance is escalating in the Southeast, raising management concerns.

AI-generated source brief by USFarms.ag, based on Arkansas Row Crops. How our briefs are made

Source published Sep 20, 2023. Check the source date before applying seasonal guidance. Brief published .

weed managementherbicide resistancecrop managementcover crops

Source summary

What this podcast covered

The Rise of Resistance

The podcast highlights the alarming rise of Italian ryegrass resistance to multiple herbicides, including paraquat and glyphosate, particularly in the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina. Experts note that some biotypes are now resistant to four different herbicide classes, complicating management efforts significantly.

Emergence Patterns Shift

A key discussion point is the changing emergence patterns of ryegrass, with an increasing number of plants sprouting in the spring rather than the traditional fall emergence. This shift poses new challenges for farmers who must adapt their management strategies accordingly.

Importance of Residual Herbicides

The experts stress the importance of applying residual herbicides in the fall to effectively manage ryegrass populations. Timely applications are crucial, as waiting too long can lead to increased ryegrass emergence and reduced control efficacy.

Role of Cover Crops

Cover crops, particularly cereal rye, are discussed as a potential strategy to suppress ryegrass emergence. The experts suggest that integrating cover crops with herbicide applications may enhance overall weed management efforts, although careful management is required to maximize their effectiveness.

Key takeaways

5 things worth knowing

  1. 01

    Italian ryegrass is developing resistance to multiple herbicide classes, including paraquat and glyphosate.

  2. 02

    Resistance issues are particularly severe in the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina and parts of Mississippi.

  3. 03

    Experts recommend using residual herbicides in the fall to manage ryegrass effectively.

  4. 04

    Emergence patterns of ryegrass are shifting, with more plants emerging in spring rather than fall.

  5. 05

    Cover crops may provide a competitive advantage against ryegrass, but require careful management.

Source figures at a glance

At a glance

What the podcast covered, in 4 signals

Weeds

Rising resistance

Italian ryegrass

Resistance to multiple herbicides is increasing.

Management

Fall residuals

Herbicide application

Timely applications are critical for control.

Emergence

Changing patterns

Ryegrass

More ryegrass is emerging in spring.

Cover Crops

Competitive advantage

Cereal rye

May help suppress ryegrass populations.

Questions & answers

Quick answers

What is causing the rise in Italian ryegrass resistance?

The rise in resistance is attributed to the over-reliance on certain herbicides, leading to the selection of resistant biotypes.

How can farmers manage Italian ryegrass effectively?

Farmers should consider using residual herbicides in the fall and explore the integration of cover crops to suppress ryegrass populations.

What changes are occurring in ryegrass emergence patterns?

There is a notable increase in spring emergence of ryegrass, which complicates management strategies that traditionally focused on fall control.

Why are residual herbicides important for managing ryegrass?

Residual herbicides provide extended control of ryegrass and help prevent its emergence, making timely applications critical for effective management.

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