- Author: Thomas Getts
Winter annual grasses are one of the major invaders on rangelands in the intermountain region. They also can be problematic in a variety of systems from farm ground to forestry (cheatgrass in particular). Control options exist from physical means to chemistry but there doesn't appear to be any silver bullet. They can be suppressed, but typically rear their head reinvading the system within a few years. The impacts are far and wide, from creating fine fuels for wildfire, to being a poor source of forage for livestock on the range.
Picture one- Area to the left was treated with indaziflam in the fall of 2020, the area to the right was untreated and continued to be infested with non-desirable species like...
- Author: Trina Kleist
- Contributor: Mike Hsu
- Posted by: Gale Perez
Linquist, Al-Khatib and teams discuss new varieties, pests, possibilities
New varieties of rice that offer more effective weed control with less herbicide were showcased by UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences researchers at the recent Rice Field Day north of Yuba City in California's Central Valley. Amid the West's ongoing drought, green rice with heads full of grain stood tall and lush in some test plots, while dry, brown stubble poked up in others. Department researchers discussed the impact of letting ricelands go fallow, including potential for pest control and ways to conserve soil moisture.
The event was hosted Aug. 31 at the Rice Experiment Station...
- Author: Trina Kleist
- Posted by: Gale Perez
AI-trained machines slash labor costs
Experimental robots are reducing the costs of hand-weeding by learning the difference between weeds and lettuce. In addition, steam can clear the soil of fungi and spores that cause lettuce and spinach to wilt, reducing the need for chemical herbicides in the bargain, according to the latest research by Steve Fennimore and his lab at the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
Fennimore, a professor of Cooperative Extension, presented his findings at a recent meeting of the California Leafy...
- Author: Marcelo Moretti
- Posted by: Gale Perez
Oregon leads the United States in the production of Christmas trees, with almost 8.5 million trees sold in 2015. Weed control is essential in Christmas trees to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients, allow fast and robust tree growth, and ensure growers top prices for high-quality trees. Research is needed on weed management in Christmas trees in the West to ensure they remain economically competitive. Herbicides are the primary weed control option for Christmas tree growers, but options are limited, and herbicide-resistant weeds challenge weed control. Herbicide resistance has increased weed management costs in Christmas trees; growers must now turn to mixtures of herbicides or planned rotations. Increased diversity of...
- Contributor: Steven A. Fennimore
- Posted by: Gale Perez
Thanks to Steve Fennimore (UC Davis Cooperative Extension Weed Specialist) for sharing the following.
"These inventors in India made a smart weeder with a smart phone. There is hope for low-cost smart weeders!"
