Over the last few years, Italian Ryegrass has become an increasingly problematic weed for grain producers in Simpson County and in south central and western Kentucky.  It grows aggressively and competes for light, nutrients and water with desirable crops.  It can be challenging in winter wheat, corn and soybeans.  Several Simpson County producers have had to destroy corn crops and replant due to the invasive nature of Italian Ryegrass.  The first herbicide resistant Italian Ryegrass in the state of Kentucky was confirmed in Simpson County.  

Therefore, the University of Kentucky Extension Weed Science Program and Extension Agents are placing emphasis on assisting grain producers in developing new control management strategies.  In order to help do so, the Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Extension Weed Scientist worked together to have an Italian Ryegrass control research trial in Simpson County.  The Agent collaborated with a local farmer and crop consultant to host the trial in a known problem area for Italian Ryegrass that has shown herbicide resistance.  Various treatments consist of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides to help producers identify the best control strategy for their operation.

The Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources will communicate these results at the conclusion of the trial with local grain producers to help them to minimize future problems with Italian Ryegrass.  One distribution method will be in the Summer 2024 newsletter which will be disseminated to 769 recipients. If producers can reduce competition and alleviate replant situations, they will vastly improve profitability.