S12 E6 - Getting to Know Diflufenican (Convintro™)

For years, Group 15 herbicides have been a cornerstone of waterhemp management, but new research from Illinois suggests their effectiveness may be eroding. Aaron Hager and Pat Tranel join the show to discuss the discovery of Group 15 resistance, what a statewide survey revealed about its spread, and what this means for the future of weed control in an era of increasing metabolic resistance.

On this episode of War Against Weeds, Joe Ikley and Sarah Ganske are joined by Meaghan Anderson and Wesley Everman from Iowa State University to discuss the emergence of Asian copperleaf, an invasive weed that is spreading through Iowa corn and soybean fields. They share what researchers know so far about its distribution, biology, herbicide response, and potential pathways of spread, while highlighting the many questions that remain about its ecology and management. The conversation explores how this seemingly inconspicuous weed may be finding a niche in modern cropping systems and why growers across the Midwest should start paying closer attention.   Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/4ri2gzhjjng5h5x0tykcaop4ay3kigx8   guest links: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/people https://x.com/mjanders1?s=20    

In this episode of the War Against Weeds podcast, Tommy and Sarah are joined by Stanley Culpepper, Bill Chism, and Elizabeth Burns Thompson to discuss how herbicide regulations, Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements, and ongoing litigation are shaping modern agriculture. The panel examines the challenges that regulatory complexity and uncertainty create for farmers, researchers, and industry, while highlighting the significant progress made through collaboration among growers, universities, EPA, and other stakeholders. They emphasize the importance of science-based decision-making, grower engagement, effective communication, and public education, while expressing optimism about improved cooperation, expanded mitigation options, and continued efforts to protect both agricultural productivity and environmental resources.   Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/g1oykiu75rmvbqsbpfxltc9w5ex8e0gc  

In this episode of War Against Weeds, hosts Sarah Ganske and Alyssa Essman are joined by Purdue University weed scientist Dr. Bryan Young and Bayer Crop Science technical product lead Dr. Kati Price to discuss diflufenican (Convintro®), a new (to the US) Group 12 residual herbicide for corn and soybean production. They explore how this herbicide fits into resistance management programs, its strengths and limitations for controlling waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, and what growers can expect regarding crop response, tank-mix partners, and stewardship. The conversation also covers practical recommendations for integrating this new tool into existing weed management programs. Convintro Website:  https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/brands/crop-protection/convintro?utm_campaign=evg+marcomm+convintro+google+search-paid+nonbrand+&utm_medium=search-paid&utm_source=google&utm_content=brandad+nonbrand+text+multistate+cornsoy+herbicides+gt2ct4a28&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23386064829&gbraid=0AAAAAofgd2gOZugKXyYYTZ4xt0TRZaxpp&gclid=CjwKCAjwrbfWBhAeEiwAc2e6PjWQ6O-bQRhTeKIEXdPPy0YuMCRawrkX8K3pUwDqy3-vnWcjvSfRTRoCyX8QAvD_BwE Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/f91atndbmc32tbff9tsv296hp6hg2awf    

In this episode of War Against Weeds, Joe Ikley and Tommy Butts sit down with weed scientists Marcelo Moretti (Oregon State University) and Ryan Hill (University of California) to explore the challenge of sucker management in perennial crops such as hazelnuts, olives, prunes, and grapes. The discussion covers how suckers impact yield, fruit quality, disease management, and weed control programs, along with current strategies including chemical pruning, mechanical removal, plant growth regulators, and emerging electrical control technologies. Links from guests: https://www.sacvalleyorchards.com/ https://wric.ucdavis.edu/blog https://smallgrains.wsu.edu/weeders-of-the-west/   Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/00iawo2fg3tmtojffxh87cxn027u006y  

Marestail has been one of the most troublesome weeds in agronomic crops for more than two decades, and growers are still searching for effective ways to stay ahead of it. In this episode, Dwight Lingenfelter of Penn State joins us to discuss marestail biology, resistance, cover crops, tillage, and the management strategies that can help reduce its impact across soybean, corn, and small grain systems. Sarah mentions a previous episode where we cover marestail research, and that episode is S1 E9 and that can be found here! S1 E9: Marestail/Horseweed Dispersal and Control https://waragainstweeds.libsyn.com/marestailhorseweed-dispersal-and-control Transcript (.docx):  https://app.box.com/s/nb709yzr4ds41latv9w9hqwedh6tv1w8

In this episode of War Against Weeds, Joe Ikley and Alyssa Essman welcome Rodrigo Werle to share key insights from eight years of multi-state research on cover crops and weed management. The discussion explores why cereal rye has emerged as the top cover crop for suppressing troublesome weeds like waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, as well as the biomass needed to maximize weed control benefits. They also cover how cover crops fit into an integrated weed management strategy alongside residual herbicides, and what new research could mean for the future of resistance management and sustainable crop production.   Resources from our guest:https://badgercropnetwork.com/ https://x.com/WiscWeeds?s=20     Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/wdpfsjr6di1436t7h014k81t17sgxrs2  

In this episode of War Against Weeds, Tommy Butts is joined by Joe Ikley (North Dakota State University) and Tom Barber (University of Arkansas) to discuss how fall-applied herbicides fit into weed management programs across very different environments. The conversation covers glyphosate-resistant Italian ryegrass, kochia, wild oat, and waterhemp, with a focus on herbicide timing, residual activity, and product selection. They also discuss research findings, farmer adoption of fall programs, and explore how cover crops, crop rotation, and weather impact herbicide performance.   Transcript: https://app.box.com/s/odey5jljte1aewvjyrflj1f30365le6y  

On our first episode of season 12, Tommy and Alyssa are joined by Dr. Mark VanGessel (University of Delaware) to discuss the effectiveness of late-season herbicide applications on weeds like waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, and burcucumber. They cover weed seed production, harvest concerns, herbicide limitations, resistance management, and the economic realities of spraying large weeds late in the season. Links suggested by our guest: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/weed-science/ https://growiwm.org/ Transcript: https://app.box.com/s/1hejf8whz58xlp2ne0ip0r7hvjne8bgy  

Welcome back to season 12 of the War Against Weeds Podcast! We are so excited to annouce a NEW host this season! Join us as we welcome Dr. Tommy Butts, a weed scientist at Purdue University. We also cover a bit of our summers, and what we are looking forward to this season! Transcript (.docx): https://app.box.com/s/nbcyq5lp8bvzln43dw25hie1v6l6jqa0