This fall, 2024, the agricultural weed management group at Montana State University is conducting a survey of Kochia herbicide resistance in the northeastern corner of Montana. The objective of this study is to collect kochia seeds this fall and test them for herbicide resistance this winter. The study is seeking producers willing to participate in this screening. Do you have some fields with kochia populations? Would you like those kochia seeds tested for resistance? If so, you can get your name on the list by calling the Richland County Extension Office at 406-433-1206. By signing up for this screening, the crew from MSU will reach out to you and stop by your place and collect the seeds later in September. The focus area for this study is the areas are north of Sidney to the Canadian border and west to Glasgow.
Background
Kochia (Bassia scoparia) is one of the most problematic weeds in Montana's cropping systems. Management is complicated by the evolution of resistance to herbicide in many populations across Montana. Kochia herbicide resistance has been documented in Montana since the 1980s, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the state. We will test and screen them for herbicide resistance to develop a better picture of resistance in Montana.
What to Expect
We aim to collect seed primarily from crop fields (all row crops, wheat, barley, pulses) and non-crop fields (examples include roadsides, shelter belts, and fallow). In September we are most likely to find plants with seeds in fallow.
We need mature kochia seeds that are brown to blackish in color. Seed should have matured in the field. We need some information about the population:
1. Location (we prefer GPS coordinates), but descriptions that help define the location will be accepted.
2. Crop rotation history for the last three years, and herbicide information.
3. Contact information (if you would like to hear about the results), name, and email are most important.
In the fall of 2024, we will grow plants from seed in the greenhouse and then spray them with herbicides, focusing on important active ingredients for Montana's crop production.
Please contact Tim Seipel, Assistant Professor, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT at [email protected]; 406-994-4783, or your local extension office in Richland County; 406-433-1206.
Reader Comments(0)