By Isabelle Piché, Crops Summer Student, Moose Jaw
Kochia plant
On a previous #SKcropwalk, a Strategic Field Program project focusing on kochia control at the Wheatland Conservation Area was reviewed. This specific project is also being studied in Scott at the Western Applied Research Corporation and will be repeated next year.
One of the treatments demonstrated in the plots was clipping. Clipping refers to the practice of weeds being cut off above the crop. This technique minimizes the growth rate of the weeds and limits seed production. Two clippings were done on the plot, taking place on July 15 and July 30.
The other treatment for weed control is called weed wiping. Weed wiping involves using an applicator that wipes the upper portions of the weeds standing above the lentil canopy with a solution containing one-part herbicide and two-parts water. This treatment causes slight damage to the lentils, misses other plants and creates sprayer-like tracks. The study is investigating two variations of weed wiping, one of which has a single herbicide application and the second two herbicide applications. Each treatment was repeated four times.
Future treatments for these plots include capturing the weed seeds expelled from the combine running through the plot and running that seed through a mill. This will simulate the use of a harvest weed seed destructor to reduce or eliminate weed seed viability. For more information on this project, contact John Ippolito in Kindersley, Shannon Chant in Swift Current or Erin Campbell in North Battleford.