UC Weed Science (weed control, management, ecology, and minutia)

Justin Valliere has been hired to expand the Department of Plant Sciences' reach in the fields of invasion and restoration ecology. Valliere started as an assistant professor of UC Cooperative Extension in July.

Summary note: This is a belated research update from herbicide trials (targeting Italian ryegrass) carried out in the winter of 2021-2022 in wheat fields in the Esparto area.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are surface-active chemicals that are widely used for surface sanitation in the food processing industry, disinfectants, fabric softeners, and cosmetics. They are designed to remain stable and effective in water-based solutions.

In California, Italian ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. spp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] has been around for a long time and is a major weed in orchards, vineyards, field crops, fallow fields, and so on. It grows vigorously in winter and early spring.

My name is Giuliano Galdi, and I am the new UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Agronomy and Weed Management Advisor located in Merced County, and also with responsibilities in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. In San Joaquin county, my primary responsibility will be in weed management.