By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky is hosting its 2025 Italian Ryegrass Control Field Tour on March 27th at the Caldwell County Extension Office in Princeton, inviting grain growers, crop advisors, and the public.
This event focuses on combating Italian ryegrass, a persistent weed that significantly impacts wheat, corn, and soybean yields.
According to UK weed science associate professor Travis Legleiter, "The battle against Italian ryegrass is increasing in the Commonwealth every year, with more cases of failed ryegrass burndowns occurring each spring." He notes that this weed can reduce corn yields by up to 60 percent.
The tour will begin at 9 a.m. CDT at the Caldwell County Extension Office, located at 1025 U.S. Highway 62 West in Princeton, with introductory remarks by Legleiter.
Participants will then caravan to the Research and Education Center in Princeton (UKREC) to tour ryegrass research plots.
Topics covered will include ryegrass control strategies for fall and spring, prior to no-till corn and soybean planting, as well as ongoing research on ryegrass control in wheat. The field tour is expected to conclude by 11:30 a.m.
"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," Legleiter stated.
Certified Crop Advisor and Kentucky Applicator educational credits will be available. Interested participants can register at https://weedscience.ca.uky.edu/events/2025-italian-ryegrass-control-field-tour. For further information, contact (859) 562-2569 or email jason.travis@uky.edu.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn, Soybeans