As Pam Smith of Farm Journal learns from riding with Aaron Hager, University of Illinois extension weed specialist, waterhemp in Illinois is anything but a minor problem. In fact, it’s the number one weed problem for many producers in the state.
Hager talks about four different modes of action waterhemp has been confirmed resistant to in the state of Illinois – ALS, PPO, triazines and glyphosate. Populations can be found throughout the state with resistance to one or any combination of these four MOAs. In fact, one population is being investigated with potential resistance to all four.
This time of year growers can notice weed escapes in fields fairly easily as they’re driving down the road. That small patch of waterhemp out in the middle of field may seem like a small problem, but the amount of seed produced in those few plants can lead to a very big problem in a very short amount of time if not controlled now. At this point in the season, the most effective method of control is physically removing the plants from the field – that is, getting out the hoe.
This field is from a field in southern Illinois that has been overrun with glyphosate-resistant waterhemp.
For more information, check out Glyphosate-Resistant Waterhemp in Illinois Soybean.
How have you seen waterhemp populations change over recent years? Share your story!
