While we may be putting the 2024 primary growing season behind us, we might want to take an opportunity to observe and record our weed control challenges so that we can be better prepared for decision making this winter and into 2025. While many growers and farmers seem generally satisfied with their weed control programs, I have not heard too many folks finding weed control to be getting easier. Seasonal challenges, resistance issues, and emerging species are all contributing to difficulties in effective weed control programs.

In a recent article in the “American Agriculturist”, Dwight Lingenfelter, who is an Extension associate of weed science at Penn State, dives into the issue of resistance, specifically in the realm of glyphosate and glufosinate. As Lingenfelter references in his article, “there are 17 major weed species with glyphosate resistance in the U.S., and 60 species worldwide…”. On the other hand, glufosinate is still effective against the majority of our majorly impactful weed species. There are three species that Lingenfelter points out that have resistance to glufosinate in the U.S. though, being palmer amaranth, Italian ryegrass and annual bluegrass. So, what happens when we have products that are generally effective at what we expect them to do? Overuse comes to mind as a common outcome. Overuse of these products has shown time and time again to lead to resistance challenges.

To quote Dwight directly from his article: “It is important to use this herbicide correctly to preserve its future utility. We have not had a new herbicide mode of action in more than 30 years and there doesn’t seem to be any novel herbicide options on the immediate horizon.” It goes without saying that this same mentality can be applied to herbicides generally, and not just glufosinate.

What this does bring to light is the need for evaluating where integrated weed control practices can fit onto your farm. Integrated weed management utilizes multiple approaches of weed management coming from preventative, mechanical, cultural, biological and chemical tactics. Some of these practices you may already employ like tillage and mowing. Others, like hand removal, cover crops, utilization of perennial crops, or new weed control technologies may have opportunities for introduction or increased implementation on your farm.

While new developments in the herbicide realm are limited, the progress and ingenuity in other weed management technology is showing great potential. Technologies like weed zappers, flame weeders, harvest seed destroyers, and laser weeders are all allowing farmers and growers to have additional tools in their weed management toolbox. Even “see and spray” technology for precise application of herbicides may provide additional savings and increased efficiency in weed control efforts.

Weed management resources to check out

This topic and all of the potential management options could take up several pages, so I will encourage you to do some reading on your own. There are a lot of excellent resources to check into.

Here are some of those resources:

• Iwilltakeaction.com - provides resources on stewarding herbicide modes of action and best management practices for fighting herbicide resistance.
• U.osu.edu/osuweeds – OSU Weed Management Resources.
• Corn.osu.edu – OSU Crop Observation and Recommendation Network newsletter.
• Cropprotectionnetwork.org - is a collaborative university and Extension organization that produces unbiased, research-based information to help with crop protection decisions for alfalfa, corn, cotton, soybean and wheat.
• Growiwm.org - GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds) is a trusted source on IWM tactics. Here you will find up-to-date, tested, and vetted resources on weed control tools such as cover crops, increased crop competition, harvest weed seed control and more.
• covercroptool.midwestcovercrops.org/covercroptool - provides information and technology to promote the successful adoption and integration of cover crops into Midwest agriculture systems.
• ncipmc.org – North Central IPM, which provides funding, partnerships and resources to champion integrated pest management (IPM) in agriculture, communities and natural areas in the north central U.S.
• “Manage Weeds on Your Farm” – a 2021 SARE publication guide to understanding agricultural weeds and how to manage them efficiently, effectively and ecologically—for organic and conventional farmers alike.

For updated weed control guidelines and recommendations, keep an eye out for the updated 2025 Weed Control Guide, available at the Extension office or for purchase online at extensionpubs.osu.edu.

The future of weed control will involve both traditional and novel strategies. Being able to utilize comprehensive, effective herbicides will be a tool that many choose to keep in their weed management toolbox. Beyond that though, integrated weed management strategies, new technology and new or diversified cropping systems will have to be evaluated to see where they fit into your goals for your farm and the future of your weed management decisions.

Frank Becker is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Ohio State University Extension – Wayne County, and a Certified Crop Adviser, and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or becker.587@osu.edu
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu
This article was previously published in The Daily Record.