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Farmer Perceptions of Problematic Corn and Soybean Weeds in Indiana

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Kevin D. Gibson*
Affiliation:
Department Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1155
William G. Johnson
Affiliation:
Department Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1155
David E. Hillger
Affiliation:
Department Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1155
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: kgibson@purdue.edu

Abstract

Corn and soybean farmers across Indiana were surveyed in 2003 to determine the perceived importance of weeds at the state and district levels. Weeds were considered the primary crop pest by 69 to 84% of farmers, depending on district. Diseases or insects were ranked first by no more than 14% of farmers and nematodes were ranked first by no more than 11%. Giant ragweed, Canada thistle, common lambsquarters, common cocklebur, and velvetleaf were considered the most problematic summer annual and perennial weeds statewide. Chickweed, horseweed, dandelion, and henbit were considered the most problematic winter annual weeds statewide. However, no weed species was listed by more than 41% of farmers statewide suggesting that relatively unique weed management problems may exist on many farms. Also, the perceived importance of most weed species varied substantially among Indiana's nine districts. For example, velvetleaf was not listed as a problematic weed by any farmers in three districts. Burcucumber was not considered a statewide problem but was listed among the top three weeds by 14 and 16% of farmers in two southern districts. This survey supports the idea that educational programs focused on weed management should be tailored to geographic regions within Indiana.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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