By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky will host its second annual Italian Ryegrass Control Field Tour on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Led by Dr. Travis Legleiter, UK Extension Associate Professor Weed Science, the event will provide crucial insights into managing this increasingly problematic weed.
The tour begins at 9 a.m. CDT at the Caldwell County Extension Office in Princeton, with introductory remarks. Participants will then caravan to the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center to examine ryegrass research plots.
Discussions will cover ryegrass control strategies for fall and spring, particularly before no-till corn and soybean planting, as well as ongoing research on ryegrass control in wheat. The field tour will conclude by 11:30 a.m.
"The battle against Italian ryegrass is increasing in the commonwealth every year with more cases of failed ryegrass burndowns occurring each spring," Legleiter said. "We are continually looking for better options for gaining an advantage on this troublesome weed and are excited to showcase some of our findings so far at the 2025 Italian ryegrass Field Tour."
Originally a concern solely in wheat, Italian ryegrass now poses a significant threat to all major agronomic crops in Kentucky, including no-till corn and soybean fields.
This weed, also known as annual ryegrass, is one of the most challenging weed species globally, with over 75 reported cases of herbicide resistance. If allowed to compete with corn, it can reduce yields by up to 60%.
The field tour will address control options for Kentucky farmers before corn and soybean planting, focusing on maximizing control of this increasingly troublesome weed.
For more information about the 2025 Italian Ryegrass Control Field Tour, call (859) 562-2569 or email jason.travis@uky.edu.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops