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Weeds
Volume 57 Number 19 Date 08/23/2012 LATE-SEASON WEED MANAGEMENT - Several of Wisconsin's leading agricultural weeds are near maturity and will soon shed their seeds. By implementing a few simple cultural control practices now and during the next 6-8 weeks, growers can reduce the quantity of seeds entering the soil seedbank. Recommended measures include cleaning harvest equipment between fields, particularly when moving from a very weedy field to a clean field, managing fencerows, and delaying fall tillage to promote seed predation. Late summer is also a good time to evaluate the efficacy of weed management programs. The presence of weed escapes at this point in the season may indicate one of the following: weeds emerged after herbicides were applied or after fields were tilled, herbicides were applied under poor environmental conditions (e.g. high winds, drought conditions), weeds were taller than the recommended height, or skips in herbicide applications. Documenting or mapping existing infestations should help to identify priority areas for future control efforts. FIELD SANDBUR - The bristly seeds of this summer annual are approaching maturity in central areas, and presumably in most parts of the state. These burs readily cling to surfaces and are dispersed by animals, humans or equipment. Repeated cultivation prior to bur formation, pre-emergent herbicide application and healthy establishment of desired vegetation will usually provide effective control. --Clarissa Hammond, DATCP Weed Scientist 
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