Manhattan, Kansas
September 4, 2008
Source: Kansas State University
Research and Extension News
Weed management is one of the
biggest concerns for grain sorghum producers, but
Kansas State University
scientists are finding ways to remedy the problem.
“Research has shown that heavy weed infestations can reduce
grain sorghum yields by 50 percent,” said Kassim Al-Khatib,
K-State professor of weed physiology. “In addition, weeds may
decrease grain quality, increase insect and disease pressure,
and increase harvest difficulty.”
Now, however, K-State researchers have developed a
herbicide-resistant grain sorghum line, Al-Khatib said. It is
tolerant to such acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor
herbicides as Steadfast, Accent, Resolve, and Ally. This
tolerance seems likely to give grain sorghum growers a new tool
in their efforts to control weeds.
“This technology has excellent potential for controlling
broadleaf and grassy weeds in sorghum, using post-emergence
herbicides,” he said, adding that he expects producer acceptance
to be high because no post-emergence herbicide is now available
for managing grassy weeds in sorghum.
K-State’s work is moving forward to developing ALS-resistant
sorghum with several seed companies. The university team
involved in the project is working with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s program for Minor Use Pesticides, as well,
to register the use of Steadfast herbicide on ALS-resistant
sorghum.
“In addition, we are currently evaluating several herbicide
programs to identify the most effective ones for Kansas,”
Al-Khatib said.
The K-State team is planning to use this year’s research to
refine the recommended herbicide program before the
herbicide-resistant hybrids can be available in the market, he
said. |
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