EAST LANSING, Mich. — Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and several generic products, is a non-selective herbicide that can be sprayed on glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup Ready) crops safely. According to the International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds, there are currently 34 weed species in the world with populations that have become resistant to glyphosate—seventh in terms of herbicides with the highest number of resistant weeds. Glufosinate is also a non-selective herbicide and can be applied to LibertyLink crops safely. There are only three weed species worldwide with populations resistant to glufosinate, and only one (Italian ryegrass) has been found in the U.S. (on the West Coast).
The rise of glyphosate-resistant weeds in Michigan—such as common and giant ragweeds, horseweed (marestail), Palmer amaranth and several waterhemp species—has prompted some growers to look to the LibertyLink cropping system, but many do not have experience working with this trait package.
The Michigan State University Extension field crops team in southwest Michigan is hosting a Row Crop Field Day Aug. 2, 2017, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in southern Kalamazoo County. The field day will showcase demonstration plots that were set up with several herbicide programs in LibertyLink soybean at different price points in tilled and no-till sections to show the efficacy of these systems. The plots are located between Vicksburg and Fulton, Michigan, just north of the East W Avenue and 36th Street intersection (13990 36th St S, Vicksburg, MI 49097).
Although the focus of the field day is to present the weed control demonstration plots, the program will include talks on a wide range of topics important in row crop production. MSU Extension field crop weed specialist Christy Sprague will discuss weed control issues for this season as well as control options for glyphosate-resistant weeds.
MSU Extension field crop pathologist Marty Chilvers will address disease issues in soybean, corn and wheat and also talk about current research underway with white mold, sudden death syndrome (SDS) and phytophthora in soybeans.
MSU Extension soybean educator Mike Staton will address several management decisions in soybean production. MSUExtension field crop entomologist Christina DiFonzo and MSU Extension field crop educator Bruce MacKellar will talk about insect pest issues that have arisen so far this season and how to scout and control key pests.
MSU Extension field crop educator Eric Anderson will talk about on-farm uses of drones and what value this technology can add.
Two Michigan pesticide recertification credits (RUP credits) and three continuing education units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisors have been applied for.
The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee provided funding for the project and the field day. The cost is free and lunch is included, but please register early so we have an accurate count. Go to Southwest Michigan Row Crops Field Day or call the St. Joseph County MSU Extension office at 269-467-5511 by July 31 to register. Contact Eric Anderson at eander32@msu.edu or 269-467-5511 with questions.
Thanks to several people who have helped make this field day possible: Travis Bartholomew for cooperating in the use of the field; Lindsey Aagesen (Bayer CropSciences) and Jack Lemmermen (DuPont Pioneer) for donating seed; Mike Borrie (Co-Alliance), Dale Hiatt (CPS-Mendon) and Dave Pagels (Lima Elevator) for donation of herbicides; and Tassell Autobody for use of the parking and tent area.
— Eric Anderson, Michigan State University Extension
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