Commercial Weed Control Resources
-

Annual ryegrass, also referred to as Italian ryegrass, is the most problematic winter annual weed in Georgia hayfields. Seed germinates from September to November. Seedlings mature in the fall, overwinter in a vegetative state, and resume active growth in the spring. Annual ryegrass is a prolific seed producer that contributes to annual infestations. This resource summarizes the growth and identification of this weed. Cultural and chemical control options are also presented for tall fescue, bermudagrass, alfalfa, bahiagrass and other forage legumes grown for hay production.
Patrick E McCullough
|
-

This is a new annual guide for managing diseases, insects, weeds, and wildlife in bunch grapes in the Southeast. This regional integrated pest management guide provides recommendations based on information from the manufacturer’s label and performance data from research and Extension field tests. This publication is intended for use only as a guide. Specific rates and application methods are on the pesticide label, and these are subject to change at any time. This publication is a product of the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium.
Phillip M. Brannen
|
-

This publication provides updated (2023) Southeast-specific information on approved National Organic Program (NOP) disease and pest management options for blueberry production and addresses the issues most commonly encountered under the unique growing conditions of the Southeast U.S. This publication is not intended to provide all details on organic blueberry production, although it does include the production methods that reduce the impact of plant disease and pest issues. Emphasis in an organic system should be on cultural practices that reduce disease and pest pressure rather than pesticide applications. NOP-approved pesticides are usually less efficacious than conventional products. The pesticide label is the law and supersedes any information on pesticide use contained in this guide. Because environmental conditions and grower application methods vary widely, suggested use does not imply that performance of the pesticide will always conform to the pest control standards indicated by experimental data.
Elizabeth L. Little and Phillip M. Brannen
|
-

This publication provides information on pulse width modulation (PWM) technology including its working principle, components, benefits, and best management practices for its optimal utilization on agricultural sprayers. Agricultural sprayers are commonly used for pesticide applications and come in various design types and sizes, including three-point hitch, pull-behind, and self-propelled. During pesticide applications, maintaining a target application rate across the whole field is important for effective pest management. On sprayers with traditional flow-based control systems, the liquid flow rate is regulated to account for ground speed variations by adjusting the spray pressure. However, this becomes an issue when spray pressure reaches outside the narrow operating range of the selected nozzle and results in non-uniform droplet size and pattern. Higher spray pressures at faster travel speeds produce finer droplets which are more prone to spray drift; applications at lower pressures produce coarser spray droplets and reduce spray fan angle. Pulse width modulation technology was developed to overcome this pressure variation issue; pulse width modulation does not rely on spray pressure to regulate system flow rate with changes in ground speed. In pulse width modulation systems, the flow rate is varied by changing the intermittent cycling of the electronically actuated solenoid valves while the system pressure remains constant throughout the boom.
Simerjeet Virk
|
-

This publication discusses the proper calibration methods sprayers and other liquid applicators.
Paul E. Sumner, Gary L. Hawkins, and Michael J Bader
|
-

Applicators used in granular applications should be calibrated to ensure uniformity and accuracy. An accurate and uniform application can reduce the quantity of an active ingredient required for a given degree of control.
Simerjeet Virk
|
-

Johnsongrass is a warm-season perennial weed in pastures and roadsides throughout central and northern Georgia. Populations may germinate from seed in spring after overwintering in the soil. However, Johnsongrass primarily emerges from dormant rhizomes in areas with a history of infestations. Rhizomes are belowground stems that produce daughter plants and storage reserves for new growth in spring. The persistence of Johnsongrass is primarily associated with extensive rhizomatous growth that enable populations to spread laterally and dominate areas by preventing desirable species from flourishing.
Patrick E McCullough and Donn Shilling
|
-

Grazon® P+D (picloram + 2,4-D) injury, diagnosed as leaf roll, is occasionally observed in Georgia peanut fields due to the presence of contaminated soil, forage, animal waste (manure/urine), and/or irrigation water. Since peanut plants are very tolerant of low levels of 2,4-D, the primary cause of these leaf roll symptoms is picloram. When this injury occurs, growers are often concerned about how it can potentially influence final peanut yield. The original manuscript was prepared by Eric P. Prostko and O. Wen Carter, Department of Crop & Soil Sciences.
Eric P. Prostko
|
-

Hophornbeam copperleaf has become an increasing problem in agricultural fields throughout Georgia. It can occur at densities that have the potential to reduce yields and influence harvest efficiency. Hophornbeam copperleaf is also known as three-seeded mercury.
Eric P. Prostko
|