Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Kochia is rapidly becoming a major concern in field crops in the Brown soil zones of Alberta, with challenges extending into Saskatchewan and Northern US states. With confirmed resistance to Group 2, 4 and 9 herbicides in a recent Alberta survey, producers are running out of options for controlling kochia. There are three modes of action that are currently available to producers that claim some effectiveness against resistant kochia populations, and within each group are many options offered with various chemistries.
This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of each chemistry (alone or in combination) at controlling or suppressing kochia in field pea crops. Many of the products on the market today claim extended control after crop emergence and, therefore, this research intends to determine the longevity of control and if there are any season long, lasting effects on the kochia population resulting from the application of different chemistries.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
The project is expected to produce sufficient data to outline a ranking of selected pre-seed herbicide options available to producers based on efficacy on kochia. The study will also evaluate the costs associated with the chemical control options and determine the cost-benefit of using each chemistry, as each herbicide has a different cost and application instructions associated with the product. The results of this study would allow producers in the brown and dark brown soil zones to determine which herbicide is most effective, provide an estimate of how long into the season that one could expect control to extend, as well as which herbicide may be most cost effective for an individual operation.
This project will also have a positive impact on agriculture's environmental footprint as it will encourage more prudent use of herbicides in the control of kochia. Instead of over use of common herbicide groups, results of the study will encourage herbicide mode of action rotations with the potential to reduce kochia populations when used as part of an integrated weed management strategy. Efficient and effective use of herbicides will result in less herbicide residue and potential leaching into sensitive landscape areas. Aggressive tillage to control the undesirable weed will also be reduced, decreasing the risk of erosion of Alberta’s soils.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Research will be showcased to producers in both CARA and BRRG regions at summer field events. Project updates will be shared with producers via CARA's Grain, Grass and Growth newsletter as well as at Crop Strategy and Crop Club seminars. BRRG will share information via social media, web postings, and printed materials. Producers will be encouraged to share their experiences in dealing with kochia challenges at these events.
A project summary will be included in Projects Reports from each association, posted on websites as well as presented at crop project review events. Results will also be shared with industry representatives. Producer strategies on controlling kochia will be included in a producer survey to monitor uptake and application of the trial results. At completion of the trial, a factsheet summarizing knowledge collected will be complied and shared with producers through personal and electronic means.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.