Italian ryegrass is one of the most troublesome weeds infesting small grain fields throughout Virginia. Currently, only Hoelon-resistant ryegrass has been confirmed in Virginia. However, many growers have complained the ALS-inhibitors (Osprey and PowerFlex) and Axial XL (ACCase-inhibitor) have failed to control ryegrass. To get a better handle on herbicide-resistant Italian ryegrass in Virginia, the VT weed team plans to screen ryegrass from across the state for herbicide resistance. Year 1 of the project will focus on the I95 corridor east. We will be traveling this area and collecting ryegrass seed for herbicide screening this fall. However, if you have had complaints of resistant ryegrass in your neck of the woods and are interested in screening it this year, we welcome your samples and will add them to our screen this fall.
If you are interested, see the sample information sheet below for sample, handling, and shipping information. For the sample, GPS coordinates are critical. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
“One year to seed; seven to weed”