This week I’ve gotten calls asking about fungicide decisions in wheat – is an application needed or not? While the initial conversation is on Fusarium Head Blight (FHB/scab) and the forecasting models available for FHB, I also mention other diseases to be mindful of – since in Tennessee and more general the Mid-South, FHB is not an annual issue; but rusts and leaf spots can be. Here I’ve provided links to the resources I go over in a short video (~12 minutes). Continue reading
No-till without paraquat? That may be a possibility. Syngenta announced they will stop producing Gramoxone in June. This will leave only the companies that sell the generic paraquats to fill the demand. Will those companies be willing to take on the lawsuits to continue to sell a low margin herbicide? Maybe. Beyond that, the probability one of those companies in a few years will take the lead on re-registration with the EPA is low. All that would suggest that the time span paraquat is available could be as short as just a few years. If so, we need to have a Plan B to replace this herbicide in Tennessee over the next couple years. This will be the emphasis of some of our research this year. Continue reading
There was a significant emergence of ryegrass during the middle of March in many fields (Picture 1). This coupled with all the early planting has led to fields infested with ryegrass along with emerged corn or soybean. Continue reading
This planting season is off to a very early and quick start. At the current pace many acres will be planted by Easter Sunday. The questions continue to be on how to contend with ryegrass. Continue reading
Planting is well underway! Unfortunately, ryegrass is still present in some fields. Our research has shown this spring that tankmixes of clethodim + glyphosate (Picture 1), Sharpen + glyphosate and Reviton + glyphosate have been the most consistent ryegrass options. Continue reading
Below I have linked the presentations from this year’s Cotton Focus. Many, many thanks to each of the speakers for delivering what many reported was the most valuable program we’ve had in recent memory. Continue reading
This has been an interesting burndown season so far for a couple of reasons. First, the dry weather in late 2025 and early 2026 allowed many acres to be sprayed in January and early February. The number of acres treated during that period is truly impressive. Even better, most of those applications were very successful! Most weeds, including ryegrass, were controlled. Continue reading
We are inviting you to participate in a study conducted by University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture focused on estimating the economic impact of deer damage to row crops, specialty crops, turfgrass, and nurseries. We tried to make the survey only long enough to collect the data we need to measure the economic impact. We are not asking for any personal information.The findings of this study will be presented to stakeholders and participants in a report and presentations.
To complete the survey, please click on the survey link: https://utk.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eIIlnfeGcu7HiRw
Thank you and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Chris
Chris Boyer
Professor & Department Head
Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics