SE Idaho Grain Growers Reported Big Weed Problems

Winter wheat and barley growers across southern and eastern Idaho reported a year with strong yields, but unfortunately a big problem with herbicide resistant weeds.  The University of Idaho reported wild oats were an especially challenging weed this year, reducing some wheat yields by more than 24% and barley by up to 18%.

Juliet Marshall, UI Extension cereals pathologist, said weed challenges aside, yields for both crops were outstanding, with some barley yields exceeding 220 bushels per acre.  She said it was the weather that led to a magical season in the Magic Valley.

“We had about two inches of rain in some areas in May, followed by consistent irrigation, and most critically, some very consistent temperatures," Marshall noted.  "The temperatures really never spiked exceedingly hot, and it was consistent, and we had some consistent cool evenings. And those grasses really like cooler evenings and cooler nights.” 

When it comes to wild oats, Marshall says these weeds are not only yield robbers, but also nutrient robbers and water robbers, and they reside in the soil for many years.

“Those wild oats have some dormancy that allows them to stay in the soil for many years," she said.  "So, this isn't a problem that's going to be correctable in one year.  This is something that we're going to be following for multiple years to try once again to get the wild oats under control.”

A University of Idaho weed scientist recommends farmers that struggled with high densities of wild oats this season rotate to a broadleaf crop, such as potatoes or sugarbeets next season, and expand their herbicide options.

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