EDITOR’S NOTE: This press release has been updated from a version published on June 23, 2021 to include a recording of the webinar.
AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar took place June 30 at 12 p.m. and featured Bob Hartzler, emeritus professor/extension weed specialist at Iowa State University (ISU). In his presentation, “Weed Management in Iowa: 40 Years of Progress?,” Hartzler discussed the herbicidal-based approach to weed management that has been employed over the past 40 years. Hartzler has been recognized for his research that focused on identifying traits of agronomic weeds that contribute to their success, and developing management programs based on weaknesses of the weeds.
Hartzler discussed the changes in weeds and the tools used to control them over the course of his career. He noted that since the mid-1970s, weed management has relied on the continuous introduction of new chemicals to account for weed adaptation.
“The pace of weed evolution is greater than that of herbicide discovery,” said Hartzler. “We cannot continue down the same path currently used to manage weeds.”
Iowa Learning Farms – June 30, 2021 from ISU CALS ONLINE on Vimeo.
Archived webinars are available at: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
About Iowa Learning Farms:
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.
— Iowa Learning Farms
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