Weed Control in Biofuel Crops
Project Investigator: Joseph Yenish, WSU
January, 2008 Progress Report
Overview:
The goal of this project is to evaluate labeled herbicides for weed control in the respective biofuel commodities and to evaluate additional herbicides for potential labeling.
Safflower:
Since 1998, herbicide evaluation studies have been done at Ritzville and Lind WA. Efficacy and crop safety studies identified the value of labeled herbicides and potential herbicides as candidates for InterRegional-4 or other minor crop labeling programs. These include herbicides which are effective in controlling wild oat and other grass species and particularly troublesome broadleaf weeds such as Russian thistle.
Yellow Mustard:
Also since 1998, herbicides have been evaluated for potential labeling in this commodity. In general, yellow mustard appears to be the most best suited in agronomic terms across the agroecological zones to date. Yellow mustard establishment is much more consistent that other Brassicaceae species of crops. Unfortunately, soil persistent herbicides used in cereal or grain legume production may limit the widespread production of this crop. The development of group 2 herbicide-tolerant yellow mustard varieties would improve the potential for yellow mustard production in eastern Washington. Current research funded by STEEP is evaluating the soil persistence potential of imazamox herbicide and the potential injury to yellow mustard. That research is being done collaboratively with the University of Idaho and Oregon State University.
Canola:
Research evaluating herbicides for use in canola has been conducted since in 1998. This includes evaluation of weed management programs in winter and spring canola and has included the three herbicide resistant canola programs currently available in the U.S. Currently, Roundup-Ready canola systems provide the simplest and most consistent weed control in canola production. However, while genetically resistant herbicide crop technology continues to gain market acceptance, there is some hesitation by growers to adopt this technology. Variety development, soil persistent herbicide tolerance, and an evaluation of the economics of weed control in Brassicaceae crop producing systems needs to become a focus of the research.
Current and upcoming trials for 2008:
Three experimental locations were established in the fall of 2007 for evaluation of weed management systems in fall-seeded canola. Unfortunately, one of these locations did not establish possibly due to soil persistent herbicides. Preemergence and fall postemergence treatments were applied in a timely manner. Spring postemergence applications will be made as appropriate. Additional spring canola, yellow mustard, camelina, and other crops will be included in studies planned for the spring of 2008. Future weed research topics if funding is available include determining yield loss due to weeds and establishing the critical weed-free period.
Heading using the h3tag
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