The Future of Foxtail
Foxtail is located all over the United States in different cropping systems and is widely considered to be one of the most prevalent weeds for many growers. If left uncontrolled, a population can become a significant, yield-robbing problem. The University of Wisconsin reports that foxtail at a density of 2 weeds per foot per row can reduce corn yields by 10 percent.
Herbicide resistance in foxtail is already a common occurrence. And, grass weed species like barnyardgrass and johnsongrass have been confirmed resistant to glyphosate. Should foxtail develop resistance to glyphosate, some experts believe it could be one of the most problematic weed growers have experienced.
Following a proper weed management program will help keep herbicide resistance to a minimum-using a pre-emergence residual herbicide, alternating modes of action and, scouting your field for weed escapes.
For more information on giant, green and yellow foxtail, check out the Pest Library on the recently updated FarmAssist.com site. Click here to see a photo of giant foxtail.
What could glyphosate-resistant foxtail mean for your operation? How about resistance to other grass species?