The Dakotan:
This is Ag Issues with Neil Roberts.
Neil Roberts:
It's week one of the ag issues. Join us the next 20 weeks right here as we discuss agronomy among other topics. And joining us again for week one this year is Dr. Shana Forester of NDSU's North Central Research Extension Center and shaking up the wheat of the year for 2022 has already been released. Tell us about it.
Shana Forester:
Thanks, Neil. Every year in the U.S., researchers and extension specialists select a wheat of the year. The wheat of the year designation is used to highlight a potential problematic wheat in order to provide farmers and ranchers information on its growth, habit, control and prevalence. The 2022 wheat of the year is kochia after the 2021 growing season in the region.
Shana Forester:
This should be of no surprise. Drought conditions were conducive for kochia to thrive. Additionally, much of the kochia escape management with herbicides resulting in an abundance of seed production that will be problematic in this upcoming growing season.
Neil Roberts:
All right. I'm sure we'll be talking more about that for weeks to come as well. But we'll have more on Kochia when we come back.
The Dakotan:
You're listening to Ag Issues with Neil Roberts on the Dakotan Network.
Neil Roberts:
Dr. Shana Forester with us on Week One of Ag Issues and the weed of the Year again. Shana is kochia, as you told us, in the front half. How can we best manage it?
Shana Forester:
Kochia is genetically diverse and many chemical resistant bio types that have developed across the state. Many kochia plants are resistant to glyphosate and to two 4D chemicals. The most effective chemical control options include pre emergence and post emergent herbicides used together. Unfortunately, outside corn and small grains, most crops have very few post herbicide options. For additional information on how to control kochia or any of your weed related questions, please consult the 2022 North Dakota Weed Control Guide.
Neil Roberts:
All right. Good stuff as always. Thank you, Shana. And that will conclude this report if you miss one. Check us on the website agissues.com. Until next time. I'm Neil Roberts.
The Dakotan:
You're listening to the Dakotan Network. Real, Honest, Local News.
