Kochia and wild oat are two weeds that are top of mind for growers across the Prairies. While kochia is a relatively newer concern, it’s a highly adaptable weed that’s moving further and further north. Wild oat has been a problem for a long time and resistance continues to evolve.

In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Charles Geddes, research scientist in weed ecology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alta., discusses the characteristics of kochia and wild oat and what conditions cause them to thrive. He also explains why they are difficult to manage and how resistance evolves with each. With recent research insights on both, Geddes speaks to management strategies such as effective crop rotation and narrow row spacing and higher seeding rates for kochia, as well as harvest weed seed control for wild oat. He says it’s also important to scout and test for herbicide resistance.

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Support for this episode provided by Syngenta.

No one’s a fan of Aphanomyces root rot - and for good reason. In a wet year, this disease can cause significant damage in field pea and lentil crops across the Prairies.

In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Michelle Hubbard, research scientist in pulse pathology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Swift Current, Sask., shares insight from some of the latest research on Aphanomyces root rot. She speaks to management strategies available now, including longer crop rotations, soil testing and field selection, and how research could expand the management options available in the future. She leaves listeners with the hopeful message that there is a lot of work going into this troublesome disease; progress is being made.

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Nitrogen use efficiency is an index of how well a plant is putting its nitrogen to use for higher yields. Knowing how to improve management practices surrounding nitrogen is a win for your crop and the environment.

In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Kate Congreves, associate professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Jarislowsky research chair, discussed her latest research projects related to nitrogen, including nitrogen use efficiency in spring wheat varieties and overwinter and spring thaw nitrous oxide emissions in the Northern Prairies. She also speaks to the importance of soil sampling, the value of enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) and the potential for green ammonia.

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